Until the Accademia Bridge was built in 1854, the Ponte di Rialto was the only way to cross the Grand Canal. The present bridge, designed by Antonio da Ponte, was built in the mid 16th Century, replacing an earlier 12th Century one. The Rialto Bridge has a 24-foot arch and is supported on wooden pilings. It has three walkways; two outer balustrades and a central walkway between two rows of shops which sell souvenirs and fresh produce.