Ponte della Costituzione (Calatrava)

This sends out a sign to the world of Venice's versatility and openness to new directions.Paolo Costa, former mayor of Venice

It's not everyday that Venice commissions a new bridge to cross the Grand Canal, so in 1996 when it was decided to link the land transport hub of Piazzale Roma to the train station, the world's top contemporary bridge designer, Salvatore Calatrava, got the job, but only after defeating over 70 other architects in a competition. Calatrava had over forty bridges to his name around the world, but this 310-ft single arching span 'is my most beautiful bridge,' he says. 'A work which is worthy of Venice. It is an act of love to Venice and of love to Italian civilization in general.'

It was originally called the Quarto Ponte sul Canal Grande (the 'Fourth Bridge over the Grand Canal') but was renamed Ponte della Costituzione to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Italy's constitution. Calatrava's admirers dubbed it the 'carpet of light'.