In the amazingly beautiful Venice, Italy, on the shores of the Adriatic Sea there is the Bridge of Sighs.

Legend has it that it got its name from the longing and sorrowful sighs of criminals being sent to prison.

But on the other side of Europe, in the British city of Cambridge, there is its distant relative with the same name, but with a completely different appearance, except for similar structural features. It is true that the Cambridge sigh belongs to the students who are slowly trudging along to their math exams and with all their hearts wish to postpone the inevitable – the crossing connects the two courts of the famous St. John’s College of Cambridge University.

This beautiful bridge was designed by the famous architect Henry Hutchinson and completed in 1831. In spite of the fact that the construction was erected already in the New Age, its appearance sends us back to the Middle Ages. Structurally, it is a covered gallery, reminiscent of the passages in ancient palaces. The walls of the bridge have a number of high arched openings interspersed with columns. They are filled with elegant Gothic-inspired openwork lattice arrowheads.

The intricate architecture of the bridge creates an unforgettable impression. For that, it is especially appreciated by students who, because of their age, have a penchant for romance. This atmospheric landmark is very popular with locals who are nostalgic for their student years as well as tourists.

By the way, the Bridge of Sighs was a favorite spot in Cambridge and one of the greatest rulers in history – Queen Victoria. She often paid visits to the university capital and this original crossing was the first place she visited.