Italy header image

High tide floods Venice

Nov 12, 2009  ·  3 Comments

Venice is more than surrounded by water -- it has the water of the Adriatic running in its veins. One unfortunate effect of this is that high tides or heavy rains can cause flooding in the city.

In December 2008, one of the highest tides in its history hit Venice. People waded through the streets in high boots, or walked on the boardwalks above the flood waters. See how the 4th highest tide in recorded history (records there have been kept since 1872) affected the city.

(If video doesn't show for you, watch on YouTube)

That was last year. What will this winter bring?

Whatever happens, the Venetians and their visitors will find ways to deal with it. But what permanent damage is such flooding doing to the city and its treasures?

Related posts:

Categories: venice · video · weather             Photo credit:  


3 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Sophie // Oct 28, 2010 at 12:01 pm

    omg, I never knew that! Venice is such a lovely place, it's really a shame.

  • 2 Brenda Robertson // Nov 20, 2010 at 11:37 am

    I hope whatever's causing the flood will be fixed... We can't afford to let splendid Venice go down the drain...

  • 3 Percy // Dec 30, 2010 at 5:56 am

    People celebrate New Year with a rubber boat in Venice's St. Mark square flooded by high water last Jan. 1, 2010. The flood didn't stop exuberant celebrations - it was still fun!

Leave a Comment

  • What do you think? We'd love to hear (and your fellow readers would too), so please let us know!
  • If you are a first-time commenter, your reply will be held for moderation.
  • What's not OK? Rudeness, crudeness, profanity and spam. Our goal is a site where anybody can express an opinion without getting flamed.
  • Your mature and responsible replies are greatly appreciated by all. Thank you.