The bridge was built to replace a previous crossing and to provide a more ornate connection between the older college courts and the new expansion.
Queen Victoria, who visited Cambridge in 1843, reportedly called the bridge her favorite spot in the city.
Despite the name, the design was inspired by the St John's College buildings rather than the actual Venetian Bridge of Sighs, which is an enclosed stone arch.
The structure is fully enclosed with stone tracery, serving to shield those crossing from the elements and from public view.
It is frequently featured in university promotional materials and serves as one of the most recognizable icons of Cambridge architecture.
The Bridge of Sighs is a covered, neo-Gothic stone bridge connecting the Third and New Courts of St John's College in Cambridge. Designed by architect Henry Hutchinson, it was completed in 1831 and crosses the River Cam. The structure features distinctive tracery windows and a enclosed design that resembles the Venetian bridge of the same name, though it shares no architectural similarities. It serves as a private passage for students and staff of the college. Visitors can view the bridge from the river or from limited public areas within the college grounds. The bridge is a focal point of the college's architecture and a signature element of the Cambridge skyline.
From a punt on the River Cam directly beneath or slightly downstream of the bridge.
View the bridge from the water by hiring a chauffeured punt to navigate the River Cam for the best vantage point.
Check the St John's College visitor information beforehand, as access to the college grounds is restricted to specific visitor areas and may be closed during exam periods.
Walk along the backs of the colleges to see the exterior from the grassy areas if permitted.
Attempting to cross the bridge unless you are a member of the college, as it is a private access route.
Access to college grounds may be restricted during University of Cambridge exam periods in late spring and early summer.
Quiet decorum is expected as it is part of an active academic institution; avoid obstructing paths used by students.
