4 miles from Salisbury is Wilton, the ancient capital of Wessex and home to the Earls of Pembroke for many generations.  Their home, Wilton House, open to the public, contains an important collection of art and magnificent gardens.  The centerpiece of the gardens is the beautiful Palladian Bridge.  It is one of the most famous structures in England and is based on Italy's Rialto Bridge.  It was built by Henry Herbert, an architect, and the ninth Earl of Pembroke, in 1737.  This type of bridge is a garden foot bridge and is constructed in stone. 

The bridge is approached along a path which extends straight across the face of the house.  When seen from the house, the bridge appears to be a garden arch, or pavilion, or summer house.  Only when one is quite close does it become apparent that it is a bridge.  This masterful rococo effect was meant to surprise the visitor. 

Palladianism is a philosophy of design based on the writings and work of the great 16th century Italian architect Andreas Palladio, who tried to recreate the style and proportions of the buildings of ancient Rome.  The first architect who popularized the Palladian style in England was Inigo Jones and it was he who is responsible for several very early classical buildings in London.  Jones was ahead of his time, for it was not until well into the 18th century that Palladianism because widespread in England.  English Palladian architecture is characterized by grace and understated decorative elements.  It ignored the fact that Palladio was designing for the sunny climate of Italy and not for the grey skies of England.

There are several other Palladian Bridges in England - most notably at Stowe, which is almost identical to this one.