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Emerging like a mirage from the Adriatic Sea is a floating city that defies the expectations of architecture. As it floats above the water, the city of Venice is not merely a product of Renaissance artistry; it is a triumph of medieval engineering and a testament to human ingenuity that has stood the test of time.
But how does this city of marble remain afloat? And is it true that Venice is actually sinking? Click through this gallery to find all the answers.
Venice was established in the early 5th century CE by a group of Roman refugees who were trying to escape barbarian invasions after the fall of the Roman Empire. They built the city on a group of 126 small islands located in the shallow Venetian Lagoon, which provided easy access to the sea.
The decision to build Venice on water was primarily for defense. The lagoon's natural barriers offered protection from attacks, but its waterways also provided much-needed food for the local fishermen.
To construct the buildings that would make up the city, Venetians drove millions of wooden pillars deep into the soft, muddy ground of the lagoon so that they rose above the water. These pillars were up to 82 feet (25 m) long, were typically made from alder wood, and they supported the weight of the stone structures above.
Alder wood was chosen for its water-resistant properties. When submerged, alder wood becomes even more robust due to the oxygen-free environment, thus preventing decay and maintaining the integrity of the foundations.
On top of these wooden pillars, Venetians placed platforms made of Istrian limestone that was quarried in Croatia. This stone is highly resistant to water erosion, and it provided a stable and durable foundation for the buildings.
The Rialto Bridge, one of Venice's most iconic structures, exemplifies the innovative engineering that was established in the 5th century. It showcases the strength and stability of Venice's foundation techniques, since the bridge itself was also built on wooden pillars like the rest of Venice.
The early Venetians were proficient in hydraulic engineering. They developed sophisticated methods to manage water levels, thus ensuring that their city remained habitable and relatively dry despite its aquatic environment.
Venetians were incredibly adept at maintaining hygiene in the city’s waterways and preventing waterlogging. Indeed, they designed complex drainage and sewage systems to direct excess water away from inhabited areas and into the lagoon.
Venice's urban design, with its narrow streets and closely packed buildings, maximized space on the small islands. This compactness has also helped reduce the load on the wooden foundations and helped the city’s buoyancy. But despite the city’s profound engineering, Venice is slowly sinking beneath the water of the lagoon!
There are many reasons why Venice is sinking, one of which is due to the soft, compressible soil on which the city was built. Over centuries, the substantial weight of Venice’s historic stone buildings and infrastructure has added pressure on its soft foundations, which has caused it to gradually sink into the muddy lagoon floor.
Global climate change has led to rising sea levels, which has exacerbated Venice's sinking problem. The increased water levels in the Adriatic Sea threaten to flood the city more frequently and more severely. In fact, certain parts of the city experience flooding almost daily whenever high tide occurs in the lagoon.
During the 20th century, excessive groundwater was extracted in the region for industrial and domestic use (such as drinking fountains), which caused the ground to compact further. This has accelerated the subsidence (i.e. sinking) of the city and has also led to more frequent flooding.
Venice's subsidence is also influenced by natural tectonic movements. The shifting of the Earth's tectonic plates in the region can cause the ground to sink, further compounding the city's challenges. Thankfully, there are many steps and processes that have been implemented in order to prevent disaster from occurring.
The MOSE project was started in 1987 as a way of protecting Venice from flooding, and it involves a series of mobile barriers installed on the seafloor of the lagoon’s various inlets. When needed, these barriers can be raised to block the influx of seawater and reduce the risk of flooding.
After decades of development, the MOSE barriers became operational in October 2020. This system now plays a crucial role in safeguarding Venice from increasingly frequent and severe tidal events.
The city of Venice has also taken crucial steps in enhancing its drainage infrastructure. Modern systems have been installed to efficiently manage excess water and prevent the city from being overwhelmed during high tide events.
Strict regulations have slowly been implemented to limit that amount of groundwater that is extracted. Reducing the removal of groundwater helps stabilize Venice’s foundations and slow down the rate of subsidence.
Historic buildings in Venice are also being reinforced so that they can better withstand subsidence. Techniques include underpinning foundations and using materials that provide greater stability and durability against sinking.
Since the Venetian Lagoon is a natural waterway, it is constantly at risk of accumulating sediment, which can lead to water stagnation and further erosion of Venice’s foundations. To prevent this, the city canals are regularly dredged (pictured), which usually involves deepening the city’s waterways with boats that drag buckets along the lagoon floor.
It is also imperative for city officials to promote sustainable tourism practices that can help minimize the environmental impact on Venice. Efforts include managing tourist numbers and encouraging eco-friendly behaviors among visitors.
Continuous monitoring of the lagoon's ecosystem and water levels provides valuable data on changes in the environment. This information is used to adapt and implement strategies for mitigating the effects of subsidence and flooding.
Ongoing research into new technologies and methods for addressing subsidence and flooding is vital. Innovations in engineering and environmental science can offer fresh solutions to Venice's challenges, and there are many projects that are being developed.
Much like any city, it is imperative for officials to consistently update the urban design of Venice’s infrastructure. By doing this, they can incorporate flood risk management measures and ensure that new developments contribute to the city’s overall stability.
Managing vegetation in the lagoon and the islands also helps stabilize sediment and reduce erosion. Plant roots can anchor soil, thus preventing it from being washed away by tides and waves.
It is also important that efforts to preserve and protect are compatible with the city’s historic heritage. Preservation techniques (including restricted access to parts of the city) must respect Venice’s unique culture and infrastructure while enhancing its resilience. After all, the city and its lagoon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Developing long-term climate adaptation strategies is key to Venice's survival. These strategies address the impacts of global warming and include measures to protect the city from rising sea levels. While the MOSE project is one such strategy, many more need to be implemented if the city wishes to remain standing.
It is crucial that city officials promote sustainable development practices so that future growth and construction does not compromise Venice's stability. This includes building in ways that minimize environmental impact and enhance the city's resilience to flooding. It is only through these practices that this beautiful city can hope to survive.
Sources: (Ancient Origins) (The Constructor) (Venice Insider Guide) (TheTravel) (Glass Of Venice) (Venezia Lines) (MOSE Venezia)
See also: Unique ways to discover Venice
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This Italian city is truly a marvel of engineering
TRAVEL Cities
Emerging like a mirage from the Adriatic Sea is a floating city that defies the expectations of architecture. As it floats above the water, the city of Venice is not merely a product of Renaissance artistry; it is a triumph of medieval engineering and a testament to human ingenuity that has stood the test of time.
But how does this city of marble remain afloat? And is it true that Venice is actually sinking? Click through this gallery to find all the answers.