Safeguarding Venice from Floods: the Interventions

Venice flood gates

Are Venice and its lagoon doomed? Is Venice sinking? Why is the city hit by floods more frequently than in the past? What is being done to protect Venice? 

After the disastrous flood of November 4th, 1966, the Italian State approved an articulate plan to protect the city from tidal and storm surges and preserve the Venetian lagoon. The plan included diverse measures, and ultimately the construction of a barrier system of 78 mobile gates – known as Mose – positioned on the seabed in the three inlets between the sea and the lagoon. Unfortunately the gates system was not complete when 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. The disastrous event put pressure to complete the project, and in 2020 the gates were to be finally operational. As of January 2026, the gates have been raised more than 100 times.

Great Flood 2019

This tour is aimed to provide an educational experience focused on the delicate ecosystem in which Venice lies, the threats and challenges it has posed through centuries, and ultimately illustrate the new engineering solutions that currently protect the city and its inhabitants against tidal and storm surges.

The itinerary can be structured in multiple ways. Here are a few options for you to consider.

For individual travellers & small parties

1. Learners: Our expert guide will meet you at your hotel for an introduction to the topic comprising images and maps. The presentation will be then followed by a pleasant stroll to view the main works implemented in the city. Suitable for the curious visitor approaching the city and wanting to optimize time and costs. Duration: 2 hours:

Guide’s fee: 200 euros 

2. Immersive: Our expert guide will meet you at your hotel for an introduction to the topic comprising images and maps. The presentation will be then followed by a pleasant stroll to view the main works implemented in the city and be concluded with a trip on a private water taxi to the Lido inlet where 41 gates are installed on the seabed. A view at the site and the above-ground infrastructures will give you a good understanding pf the size and scope of the project. The whole shebang for visitors seeking an in-depth and engaging educational experience. Duration: 3 hours

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

Educational and Scholarly tour options

1.  Educational immersive: a 4-hour tour aboard a double-decker boat leading to the Lido inlet where 41 gates are installed. During the cruise, our expert guide will provide a commentary comprising a specially designed powerpoint presentation. Once we reach the inlet you shall have the opportunity to navigate around the site and have a close-up look of the project scope. Our experience to be concluded in St Mark’s Square to view what actions have been taken to protect the lowest and most vulnerable area in the city.
Quotation upon request

2.  Educational Learners: a 3-hour experience starting with a specially designed powerpoint presentation (ask your hotel to provide a room for this purpose) followed by a pleasant stroll to view the main works implemented in the city and in St Mark’s Square.
Quotation upon request

Noteworthy

• The gates are raised only in case of flood alerts. Under normal circumstances they are housed underwater and are not visible.
  
• In case of adverse weather conditions, boats and private water taxies may be unable to operate and reach the inlet.
• While we take care of reserving water transportation when required, the cost of transportation is to be paid separately to the company providing the service.
• Water transportation costs and guide fees vary according to the number of participants.
• Large parties are required the use of whisper headsets.