The ancient San Tomà traghetto is one of several ferry crossings which, until recently, served mainly the local population.
Before bridges connected the islands, Venetians moved through the city on foot or by boat. The Rialto bridge was the only fixed crossing point until the 1850s; anyone wishing to cross the waterway at any other point would use a traghetto or gondola ferry.
Dionisio Moretti's map of 1828 shows 59 traghetti stopping points, now there are far fewer, and subject to change.
Traditionally, Venetians stand for the short journey. Since the introduction of steam boats in the late 1800s this customary form of water transport started to fall into decline.
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| Calle del Traghetto, San Polo |
