The Red Footprint: The Mystery of the Devil’s Brick at Rialto

If you walk just a few minutes from our terrace toward the historic Rialto Market, you might notice something unusual built into the ancient stone arches. Among the white Istrian stone and classic red bricks, there is one single, dark terracotta brick that bears a strange, deep mark—resembling a cloven hoof. Local legend calls it the Impronta del Diavolo (The Devil’s Footprint).

​The Bargain for the Bridge

The story goes back to the 16th century, during the construction of the current stone Rialto Bridge. The architect, Antonio da Ponte, was desperate. Every time his workers completed the wooden scaffolding and began laying the heavy stones, the arch would mysteriously collapse overnight.

​One evening, as da Ponte stood weeping by the canal, a tall man in a dark cloak appeared. It was the Devil. He offered to let the bridge stand, but for a price: he demanded the soul of the very first living being to cross the completed bridge.

​A Clever Trick and a Ghostly Curse

Da Ponte agreed, but planned to outsmart Satan. Once the bridge was finished, he ordered a worker to push a rooster across it first. But the Devil, having discovered the trick, disguised himself as a guard and went to the architect’s pregnant wife, telling her that her husband was waiting for her on the bridge.

​As she crossed, the bargain was sealed. The heartbroken wife lost her child, and it is said that the innocent soul of the unbaptized baby wandered the Rialto area for years, crying in the winter fog, until a kind gondolier finally helped it pass into the afterlife. Before leaving, the furious Devil struck the nearby wall, leaving his permanent mark in the brickwork.

​The Pursuit of Perfection

While we prefer to leave bargains with the Devil alone, this legend reminds us of the incredible passion, sacrifice, and history baked into every single stone of the Rialto district. At Riva Rialto, we don't believe in shortcuts. Creating the perfect culinary experience takes time, dedication, and the finest ingredients—no magic tricks required, just pure Venetian devotion.