When Venice Flooded: Acqua Alta Threatens the Art City

In November 2019, Venice endured its highest tides in more than half a century. The 'acqua alta' surged through St Mark's Square and into the basilica, swamping a city that is itself one of the world's greatest works of art.

Churches, palaces and museums scrambled to protect priceless paintings and mosaics as water rose to dangerous heights, a stark warning of the threat rising seas pose to cultural heritage.

Venice has lived with the lagoon for centuries, but climate change is raising the stakes. The floods were a reminder that some of humanity's treasures sit on fragile, sinking ground.

Image: “Acqua Alta, St Mark's Square Boxing Day 2013” — Sue, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.