Safeguard Venice from Floods: the Interventions

Venice flood gates

Are Venice and its lagoon doomed? Is Venice sinking? Why is Venice hit by floods more frequently than in the past? How can we safeguard Venice from floods?

After the disastrous flood of November 4th, 1966, the Italian State approved an articulate plan to redevelop and regenerate the Venetian lagoon. This plan also implemented the construction of the MOSE, a system of mobile gates located at the three inlets between the sea and the lagoon. Once more, on the night of November 12th, 2019, Venice and all the residents faced the second worst ever catastrophic flood in the history of the city, as, unfortunately, the gates at sea were not ready yet. 

Great Flood 2019

This visit is aimed to provide an understanding of the delicate ecosystem in which Venice lies, and a deep insight into its environmental threats and challenges. It offers a learning experience of what actions were taken in the past, and a focus on the new engineering solution that currently protects the city and its inhabitants. The itinerary can be structured in many different ways. Here are a few options for you to consider.

For individual travellers & small parties

1. Complete experience: a 3-hour tour, including a presentation (images/maps), a stroll to see and understand the main interventions in the city, and a one-hour cruise by private water taxi towards the Lido inlet where the Mose flood barriers have been built to see the above-ground infrastructures.

Guide’s fee: 300 euros + boat hire: 160-200 euros (depending on the available boat company)

2.  As an alternative:  a 2-hour walking tour, including a presentation (images/maps) to view the main interventions in the city.

Guide’s fee: 200 euros

For large parties of visitors and/or students

1.  A 3-hour tour aboard a suitable boat leading to the main inlet where the Mose barriers are located. During the cruise, there will be a powerpoint presentation and once we reach the inlet you shall have the opportunity to understand the site and the scope of the project.
Quotation upon request

2.  A 3-hour walking tour starting with an indoor powerpoint presentation (most hotels can provide a special room for the purpose) followed by a stroll to understand the main interventions in the city.
Quotation upon request

Noteworthy

• The gates are visible only in case of flood alert, as under normal circumstances they are housed underwater.
  
• In case of adverse weather conditions, the boat won’t be able to reach the sea inlet.

• We take care of booking the boat, yet the cost is to be paid separately from the guide’s fee, and directly to the driver (on the day)

• Boat and guide prices get higher as far as the number of passengers grows bigger.