The massive center section of the Ponte di Calatrava, the fourth bridge over the Grand Canal that will connect Piazzale Roma with the Ferrovia (train station), was ported up-rio just before midnight on Tuesday, August 7th, before numerous fans and revelers (along with some less-than-enthusiatic onlookers), all positioned along the Canal at their outpost-of-choice to take in the spectacle. As for us, we waited at the Accademia Bridge for our first glimpse, then once the procession had past, maneuvered ourselves to below the Rialto as Calatrava & Co. maneuvered themselves around the first curve. We then tracked the bridge and its entourage under and beyond the Rialto (by far the most difficult passage, I think), and then, as we arrived in the Campiello Remer for some parting shots, I heard a voice overhead: Nen, Nenna! It was Liviana, gathered with some friends in an empty apartment (she rents them) above the Canal. Vieni su!

Courtesy of Liviana I captured some last, clear (alas, everything is relative) photos from up above the Canal. My favorite part when was another barge that was transporting the crane (preceding that of the bridge, and only slightly less wide than the Canal itself) completed a tricky, five-minute, 180-degree maneuver to continue up the Canal, and someone shouted, Un altro giro! One more time!

It was indeed something to behold. There are a variety of video recounts on youtube; a good up-close, official version is by the Città di Venezia. I posted a slideshow there as well, accompanied by a little night music courtesy of Chet Baker…The more I see you, the more I want you…

p.s. Track the installation progress of the new bridge via the city’s webcam. Mille grazie, Marisa…

This SimpleViewer gallery requires Macromedia Flash. Please open it in your browser or get Macromedia Flash here.
This is a WPSimpleViewerGallery