Rialto

The Rialto is a central area of Venice, Italy, in the sestiere of San Polo.

Eventually the Businiacus became known as the Grand Canal, and the district the Rialto, referring only to the area on the left bank.

The Rialto became an important district in 1097, when Venice's market moved there, and in the following century a boat bridge was set up across the Grand Canal providing access to it.

Warehouses were built, including the famous Fondaco dei Tedeschi on the other side of the bridge.

Meanwhile, shops selling luxury goods, banks on Rialto Square and insurance agencies appeared and the city's tax offices were located in the area.