For many tourists and visitors, travel to Venice during high tides (Acqua Alta) is a real challenge.
In this article, I explain what to do in Venice in the event of flooding.
Here we go!
Acqua Alta in Venice: article summary
Acqua Alta in Venice: the reasons for this natural phenomenon
You may think that the main reason for flooding is global warming, but that's only partly true.
Generally speaking, "acqua alta" has always existed, because the city was built on water.
As a rule, acqua alta occurs from November to early spring, but it can in fact occur all year round with varying levels of intensity.
This happens when astronomical and meteorological factors come together. On the one hand, we have the movement of the moon and the sun which influences high tide, as with all tides. On the other hand, atmospheric conditions, particularly those linked to wind movement, need to be added to the equation.
Winds are strongly linked to the phenomenon. When the sirocco blows from the southeast, large masses of seawater are transported northwards along the Adriatic Sea. Acqua alta occurs even when the northeast wind is blowing strongly. If both winds blow simultaneously, the consequences are even greater.
Climatic problems partly to blame
Human intervention is causing major problems for the city. Not only is the high level of industrialization in the coastal area lowering the soil, but global warming is also having a major impact on the city. causes sea levels to rise.
These are two of the main problems facing Venice today, and they're also the reasons why the city is called "the city that sinks".
The municipality of Venice is doing a lot to save the city, but it's probably not enough. In fact, despite the resources deployed, there are still a risk of the city disappearing under the waters.
Acqua Alta in Venice: High tide levels
Even though it is often flooded, you can't expect the whole city to experience the phenomenon with the same intensity.
When San Marco is covered in water, for example, most of the time, other parts of the city are completely dry. Some places are even higher than sea level.
In any case, the reference point is the "ideographic zero". conventionally located at Punta della Salute. Thus, when the marsh reaches 110 cm above zero at Punta della Salute, the latter is considered high and covers around 12 % of the historic center.
A tide of 140 centimetres or more is considered exceptional. Fortunately, this rarely happens. However, when it does, 57 % of the city is covered in water.
In these exceptional cases, Code Red is displayed, sirens sound and citizens and tourists are alerted.
What to do during high tide in Venice
Of course, if the tide is high, you'll have to adapt your trip. However, we'll be happy to help, you won't have to make any major sacrifices.
Check if a high tide is forecast
There are many online tools that can tell you if a high tide is forecast. You can, for example, send an SMS to (+39) 3424141041 simply by writing MAREA. You'll be notified of the tide situation in Venice in real time.
If you're not there yet, you can simply search on the net.
Check the routes of elevated walkways
As some areas of Venice are flooded more often than others, the Municipality of Venice has set up a large system of elevated walkways.
On the Internet, you can see itineraries prepared for each district of Venice, subdivided by the six Sestieri, plus the Giudecca Islands, Murano, Burano and San Michele. However, if high tide exceeds 120 centimetres, some footbridges may be impassable.
Acqua Alta in Venice: take your rubber boots with you
There's nothing more annoying than wet feet. That's why anyone who lives and works in Venice in a pair of rubber boots ready for these occasions.
This can save you time if you need to move to an area where there are no gateways.
Be prepared for public transport to be affected by acqua alta
If the tide is particularly high, you can expect public and private transport delays and cancellations.
This is only because it can be very dangerous to move around the city if the streets and canals mix. Gondolas wouldn't be able to differentiate between the canal and the pedestrian zone, and it could be dangerous.
Don't walk near the edges of canals
In the same spirit, I'd advise against walking along the canals. For your own safety, walk along buildings and always be very careful!
Acqua Alta is a natural phenomenon that you may encounter on your trip to Venice. If you happen to be in Venice during this period, you'll discover the city from a completely different angle.
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