Rialto restoration

You might also try TripAdvisor forum specific to Venice: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g187870-i57-Venice_Veneto.html

Well, I'm looking a live-cam of the Rialto Bridge right now and I see no evidence of any scaffolding or construction.

What I was going to say too, Stoutfella. From what I see on live cam, the work appears to be finished.

This was probably the article you saw?
http://theartnewspaper.com/news/conservation/exemplary-rialto-bridge-restoration-is-nearly-done-and-on-time/

I did see that story, Kathy. Thanks. I suspect Alessandro just hasn't updated the standard email response he's been sending out during the work.

I was in Venice this February, and maybe I can be of some help - scaffolding on the Rialto Bridge didn't/doesn't look like scaffolding at all (metal tubes and all that). It was really just wooden panels with the façade of the bridge painted on them - a trompe l'oeuil, if you will - and it was just one side of the bridge that was off limits, the other being perfectly walkable and photograph-able :)

Alessandro replied that, yes, the bridge work is complete, but during the construction he found that San Giacomo di Rialto church is a better meeting place anyway.

Probably has little to do with the conversation but here goes: I'll be in Italy for the 14th year in a row soon. Every year there are important sites covered, closed, unaccessible or otherwise inconvenienced. All I can say is THANK YOU! Thank you for thinking that these important works of art, pieces of history, symbols of culture and testiments to human accomplishments (even the negative ones), are worthy of care. I am truly sorry for the tourist who loses out when their visits are hindered by billboards and canvas. But for me, I would rather be inconvenienced or disappointed now knowing that people years from now will have the chance to stand in wonder and awe like I did many years ago. I know that I may seem selfish to some. Sorry. I just would hate to see the Rialto torn down to put up a Walmart.

Robert: I totally agree with your sentiment. I think it's wonderful that Italy and other European countries value these sites enough to maintain and renovate them so we can enjoy them in the future. I think we're going to totally luck out on our trip in May, as I think renovations have been completed on multiple sites in recent years -- the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Colosseum and Rialto Bridge. Great for us to see them in restored glory, but if the timing were otherwise, I hope I'd be philosophical enough to salve my disappointment with the knowledge that these beautiful, historic areas were being preserved for generations to come.

Another soundly in agreement here! While it's been disappointing to find something I really wanted to see cloaked under tarps and scaffolding or out for repairs, that has never spoiled a trip. Discovering NEW treasures which were not on the list to begin with has more than made up for a few downers! Also, as I add my own feet and breath to the general wear and tear, it's only fair to be pleased that care is being taken for the generations to come?