I moved to Venice just a few months ago and on Monday was the first time that I could see the Acqua Alta in Venice.
Tourists walk St. Mark’s Square flooded with “Acqua Alta”, Venice, Italy.
Locals they all say that it was just a small tide, nothing major, but for the rest that we come from abroad I have to admit that it is a very peculiar and strange situation. The city by itself is already very different than any other city in the word, with its water canals instead of streets, boats and ships instead cars and buses, around 26 million visitors per year in a 55.00o thousand people city.. it all makes it very unique indeed. With all that and much more into consideration you have to think about the Acqua Alta season that starts around this time of the year and where basically the sea level rises for over a meter flooding most parts of the city, making you understand how exposed Venice is.
A tourists kicks and splashes water at St. Mark’s Square flooded by “Acqua Alta”, Venice, Italy. (Guillem Lopez)
Flooded street by the “Acqua Alta” leading to St. Mark’s Square, Venice, Italy.
Last Monday was the first day of the “Acqua Alta” with the high water reaching a height of 105 cm above the sea level, nothing major compared to the serious times when it can reach above the 140 cm making basically to swim around you best option to visit the city. I have to admit I had lot’s of fun as a “local” with my rain boots and observing how one of the most beautiful cities in the world getting submerged in the sea.
The hide tide and the waves breaking at the Schiavone during the “Aqcua Alta” season in Venice, Italy.
A woman reads a magazine sitting in a chair surrounded by “Acqua Alta” at St. Mark’s Square, Venice, Italy.
A local worker pushes a trolley full of boxes in a flooded St. Mark’s Square during the first day of the “Acqua Alta” season in Venice.
As always any comments more than welcome and If you would like to see more Acqua Alta Images you can visit the Gallery.
All content © 2013 by Guillem Lopez Photography
