High tide in Cannaregio

When the tide is particularly high many parts of the city get flooded.

You don’t have to worry because for a few years now the MOSE system has been in operation, which closes the inlets of the harbor is prevents excessively high tides from coming in and doing damage. MOSE stands for MOdulo Sperimentale Electromechanical (Experimental Electromechanical Module). It consists of a huge system of submerged mobile barriers that can close the three inlets that connect the lagoon with the sea. Learn more here

It may happen, however, that with smaller tides the MOSE does not operate because when it rises ships can no longer cross the lagoon to get to the commercial port. In this case, some particularly low-lying areas of Venice are submerged d by 10-20 cm of water.

If you look closely at the photo on the cover, you see how the water is at the same level as the street level. The Fondamenta di Cannaregio is in fact one of the lowest points in the city by far. If the tide rises any further, the street will be submerged.

What can you do if you are visiting the city right when there is an exceptional tide? Nothing. It’s not serious. Venetians put on their rain boots and go to school or shopping as usual. No one despairs. Tourists often take off their shoes and socks and walk anyway. You just have to be careful walking near houses because you can no longer see the end of the sidewalk and the beginning of the canal clearly.

If you want to live like a local, come to Venice during the seasonal high tide periods October, November and December, in these months 90% of the exceptional high tides are concentrated.