Do I need my boots this week in Venice?
Oct 8th, 2004, 07:40 AM
#3
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If there is aqua alta, unless you're planning on bringing knee high boots it won't help you 
Many hotels will loan out boats in case of emergency and they can certainly be purchased locally. They also put up raised wooden boards to walk on I wouldn't personally bring high rubber boots. BTW, it usually only floods in and near San Marco which is the low point.
Wunderground.com is a website that gives that sort of info.
Many hotels will loan out boats in case of emergency and they can certainly be purchased locally. They also put up raised wooden boards to walk on I wouldn't personally bring high rubber boots. BTW, it usually only floods in and near San Marco which is the low point.Wunderground.com is a website that gives that sort of info.
Oct 8th, 2004, 07:53 AM
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I went in October a few years ago and just walked on the tables that they set up - so no need for boots. You can also just avoid the San Marco area at that time and you'll be fine, the rest of Venice is not flooded.
Have a great time!
Karen
Have a great time!
Karen
Oct 22nd, 2004, 05:39 AM
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Back from Italy. Here is what I learned: the Aqua Alta does come in to San Marco Square (and a few other places) - however its not a big deal. The water actually rises through the drain systems in the square and floods it a bit each day during the Fall months. When we were there (October) the square was perfectly dry one afternoon and then wet the next morning. During the "wet period" or Aqua Alta the water was a few inches deep in a few places around the square. It was easy to walk around and avoid the water, however we did have to walk up on the boardwalks placed around the square in order to enter the Duomo. I'd heard so much about this "flood" before going to Venice and it really turns out to be a non-event. Enjoy.
Oct 22nd, 2004, 05:45 AM
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just let me add that most of the time, thankfully, it's a non-event, and makes a good story to tell at home.
Unfortunately Venice has had some serious flooding in its history, notably in the late 60s when significant damage was done. Every bit of even minor flooding contributes to the deterioration of some historic sites, which is why they've been working for decades on coming up with a plan to control the water flow in the lagoon.
Unfortunately Venice has had some serious flooding in its history, notably in the late 60s when significant damage was done. Every bit of even minor flooding contributes to the deterioration of some historic sites, which is why they've been working for decades on coming up with a plan to control the water flow in the lagoon.
Oct 22nd, 2004, 12:21 PM
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Elaine, You are so right! I shouldn't have used the phrase "no big deal" - it is a VERY big deal to the health of all those magnificent buildings. We were quite surprised that the Duomo and Doge's Palace were still standing with all that water lapping at the foundations and doorways during Aqua Alta. Personally we couldn't figure out why any of Venice is still standing. The whole "idea" of the city is mind-boggling and defies logic. It is an engineering marvel.
Oct 22nd, 2004, 12:58 PM
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Yes, I've often thought that if someone today said "let's build a city on a bunch of marshy islands in a lagoon and connect some of the islands with some land fill and bridges, and then let's build some gorgeous buildings and see if anyone comes", then Venice would never happen.
And 1500 years ago they had no technology to speak of. Which is part of the problem.
And 1500 years ago they had no technology to speak of. Which is part of the problem.
