The Bridge of Sighs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a pedestrian bridge that connects the Allegheny County Courthouse to the Allegheny County Jail. Designed by the renowned architect Henry Hobson Richardson, this bridge was completed in 1884 and serves as an iconic piece of Richardson's Romanesque architectural style.
The name "Bridge of Sighs" is borrowed from the famous Ponte dei Sospiri in Venice, Italy, which connects the Doge's Palace to the prison and was named for the sighs of prisoners as they caught their last glimpse of the outside world before incarceration. Similarly, the Pittsburgh Bridge of Sighs was designed to transport prisoners from the courthouse to the jail after their sentencing.
The bridge itself is a beautiful example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, characterized by its heavy stone construction, rounded arches, and robust, sturdy appearance. It reflects Richardson's architectural philosophy, emphasizing strength and permanence. The structure is made of brownstone, with its distinctive arches and design elements that lend a sense of solemnity and grandeur.
Over the years, the Bridge of Sighs has become a symbol of Pittsburgh's rich architectural heritage and legal history. Though the original jail is no longer in use, the bridge remains a significant historical landmark, reflecting the city's past and its architectural beauty.