Rialto

Rialto is a toponym used in various places and institutions, most prominently for the Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy. The name originates from Rivo Alto, Italian for “high bank” or “high shore,” a reference to the elevated island area where Venice's central market grew in the Middle Ages.

Rialto Bridge, or Ponte di Rialto, spans the Grand Canal and connects the districts of San Marco and San Polo. It was built between 1588 and 1591 to replace earlier wooden crossings, designed by architect Antonio da Ponte. The bridge is notable for its single stone arch and rows of shops along its balustrade.

Rialto Market, the Mercato di Rialto, lies near the bridge and has been a center of Venetian commerce since medieval times. Historically a wholesale and retail market for seafood, fruit, and vegetables, it remains a tourist destination and a source for local produce, though wholesale trading has moved indoors.

The Rialto district refers to the surrounding neighborhood, the oldest part of Venice's urban fabric. It contains historic palaces and roughly formed streets and remains a focal point for tourism, commerce, and cultural heritage.

Rialto also refers to places outside Italy, notably the city of Rialto in San Bernardino County, California, United States. The California city is named after Venice's Rialto and is a residential and industrial municipality in the Inland Empire.

Other uses. The name Rialto is used for theatres, hotels, and businesses worldwide, echoing the glamour and commercial history associated with the Venetian landmark.