The Floating City
Located in the north-east of Italy,Venice is known as"The Floating City".But Venice is not one single island.It is made up of over 100 small islands,which are connected by waterways and bridges.
Water has always been a big part of life in Venice.Even today,boats remain the most common way to travel around.Look anywhere in Venice,and you'll see a traditional boat called a “gondola”".
Unfortunately,water is also putting Venice in great danger.Saltwater is slowly damaging the bases of Venice's buildings.The Floating City is,in fact,sinking.
More problems are caused by floods,which usually hit the city each winter.
But these floods could now be a thing of the past thanks to a new flood prevention project.
Venice lies in the middle of a lagoon,with three natural gaps open to the sea.Rain and strong winds cause seawater to travel through the gaps to Venice.Dozens of gates have been built to hold back the sea.Each of these gates is 20 metres wide,with the longest about 30 metres long.In the event of a big rise in the water level,the gates will be raised to separate the city from the sea.
But only time will tell if this project is the right solution.The important thing is that action is being taken to protect this unique city for future generations.And if it works,it means a longer,drier future for Venice.
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