Is Venice Sinking?
Venice has had water problems for over a thousand years. In the 12th century people began leaving Torcello because the lagoon was becoming a swamp which led to malaria and the closing of shipping lanes. In his Guidebook Rick Steves asked how much it was sinking; and the answer from one citizen was “less than the sea is rising.” Every winter Venice floods about 100 times (the Acqua Alta). It has sunk nine inches on the past 100 years. This, combined with rising seas, mean more and larger acqua altas. The highest was in 1966 when the water level rose to six feet above the norm. In November 2012 it was 5 feet above normal and 75% of the city was under water.
So what is being done? In 2003 a consortium of engineering firms began building underwater mobile gates on the floor of the sea at the three entrances to the lagoon. When the sea gets above a certain level the gates are supposed to rise and shut out the sea. The project is supposed to be partially operational by 2014. Will this do the job? We’ll see.
Is Venice Dying?
In 1951, 174,000 people lived in Venice; today only 60,000, and 25% are 65 or older.
In 1951, 174,000 people lived in Venice; today only 60,000, and 25% are 65 or older.
Rick Steves Guidebook notes the difficulties of living in Venice:
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The city loses 1000 people every year in spite of the government subsidizing housing. But the economy thrives thanks to tourism (150,000 visitors every day) and rich foreigners buying second homes.
According to Rick Steves city planners worry that in a few decades Venice will not be a city but a cultural theme park, a decaying Disneyland for adults.
According to Rick Steves city planners worry that in a few decades Venice will not be a city but a cultural theme park, a decaying Disneyland for adults.