“Bridge to Somewhere”.

New Calatrava Bridge was unveiled in

Venice, Italy in late 2008.

After nine years of delay this modern contemporary structure of iron,

glass and marble will link the Santa Lucia train station with Piazzale
Roma. The 308-foot-long pedestrian expanse is only the fourth bridge
to cross the Grand Canal. The original price tag of 4 million Euros is
now up to over 6.5 million Euros ($10 million dollars) due to delays,
controversies and politics. Many Venetians have been doubtful while
waiting for its inauguration, that it’ll be finished on time. The structure
was assembled piece by piece, and parts were ferried to the site
during low tide so they could pass under the three other bridges that
span the Grand Canal.

Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava has designed 29 projects in 13

countries from Valencia to Buenos Aires. The Olympic sports complex
in Athens, Greece and the twisting torso skyscraper in Malmo, Sweden
are some of his better known projects. He deviated from his usual
expanded array of cable networks and steeples, choosing a low-keyed
version of tempered glass, Istrian stone and gleaming bronze. The
modern design is a departure from the city’s rich medieval and
Renaissance architecture. Calabria’s structure is intended to “bridge”
the old traditions of the city with modern forms, using local Istrian
stone to smooth the transition.

So what does this mean for Venice, a city deep in tradition and
culture? Venice may find that this new bridge (Quarto Ponte sul Canal
Grande) serves as a cordial welcome link to
Progress. The new revised opening date is now scheduled for
September 2008.

We Arrived in Venice on May 6th and were transferred to Piazzale Roma

on the banks of the Grand Canal near the entrance to the Calatrava
Bridge. The bridge was 98% complete at that time and it would have
only taken 5 minutes to travel to the Hotel Santa Lucia. We were
forced instead to go by foot for 25 minutes crossing two bridges Rio
Nuevo and Ponte Scalzi.

The Hotel Santa is located a short walking distance from the Venice
Santa Lucia Train Station and is located down a quiet alley. It is a
peaceful family-owned hotel offering budget travelers a retreat from
Venice’s peppy night life. We paid 115 Euros per night for a room with
2 beds and a private bathroom. A tasty Italian breakfast was also
included in the price. This charming hotel was clean, cheerful and
friendly.

Hotel Santa Lucia

358 Calle de la Misericordia
Venice, Italy 30121
Phone: 39 041 710180
Fax: 39 041 710610
Email: info@hotelslucia.com
Website: www.hotelslucia.com

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