High water in Venice. A Survival Guide
Located in the Venetian Lagoon, the historical city of Venice is sited on a group of 118 small islands that are connected and separated by canals and bridges. The city of Venice is listed in the World Heritage site as it is famous for its beauty, architecture and artworks. It is safe to say Venice is one of the most romantic cities in Europe and/or the world.
Right now as Autumn started is an excellent time visiting Venice for you will have a great chance to experience the Acqua alta. The first Acqua alta of the year is most likely to happen in the month of November. If you are lucky enough to be there when this phenomenon takes place, you will get to see the beauty of Venice in a whole other way. Acqua alta will give the streets a mysterious dimension when the water will let you see its reflection.
Acqua alta comes with the tides, which usually happens every 6 hours. When Acqua alta flows the streets of Venice during the peak of the high tide, the water can stay up to 4 hours.
When Acqua alta gets serious, a little more than half of the city of Venice will be covered in water.
The water in the streets can get up to 60 centimeters. We trust that you will not drown in water of this height but we will have you prepared for this magnificent phenomenon:
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Get a special Acqua alta map. This will give you alternative pedestrian routes in and around the city, there are special footbridges to help you get around the Acqua alta.
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Keep updated with the cities Acqua alta forecasts.
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Bring (or buy) rubber boots. Simple rubber rain boots will do the trick, but you can also get a trendy colorful pair in market stands and stores. A lot of designers have very fashionable ones in their collection. You can get a pair for any budget, but do be sure of its quality.
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Do not panic when you will hear sirens. They are meant to warn the people for the Acqua alta, so that they can prepare themselves. They are no indication of a major flood.
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Go with the crowd, the locals are familiar with this and you can follow their lead during the Acqua alta.
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Be patient. Public services, shops, tourist attractions may be closed temporarily. Also routes may be blocked for this period of time. An Acqua alta only lasts for a few hours, there is no use for haste. When you get stranded, look for a bar or a pasticceria nearby and have a silky machiatto or cappuccino with a delicious treat while you enjoy the sight.
The most important things to remember:
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Bring your camera! You will have the chance to make amazing shots, even more beautiful as your Venice shots would be without the Acqua alta. Catch the reflection of the beautiful streets, monuments, buildings and all other breathtaking sites of Venice.
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Enjoy, be amazed by these magical few hours.
Once the water is gone, Venice will turn back to normal again. Take the chance to see the Acqua alta this Autumn as a bonus to your visit in beautiful Venice.
Xyza
Take the chance to see the Acqua alta this Autumn as a bonus to your visit and find great places to stay in Venice .
