Venice is Sinking, visit it while you can!

We've all heard about Venice sinking into the depths of the sea. But Why? How has a city that has stayed afloat for millenia become threatened? Well the answer lies in the city's wells.

Venice's foundations lie on wood imported from the mainland of Italy hundreds of years ago. Yes, that's right, wood! The wood actually has petrified over the years and isn't the cause of the sinking islands. It actually has become petrified and stone-like in its attributes. It wasn't until the 20th century when artisian wells were dug that the buildings started to sink. The wells caused the underground aquafer to drop quickly followed by all the clay, sand and buildings built on top of it. This is why the water levels have risen remarkably compared to the buildings. Let's not be so quick to blame global warming, though it doesn't help the situation.

After banning the wells in the 1960's the sinking has slowed considerably but has not stopped. Some believe that the projects headed-up by Italy's government may be the answer to Venice's problems. The answers may lie in the projects' floating water gates that will stop the high tides from overtaking the city in the Spring and other periods of flooding. Others believe that pumping water back underground will stop the sinking as well.


Either way, I believe we all shouldn't take the chance. Let's all go visit Venice before the horrific floods take over and the beautiful city is lost. Flooding shouldn't be a reason to go to Venice, it should just prod everyone into going sooner! Thank you, Wikipedia, for the insight on this amazing wonder of the world. Please tell us about your experiences in Venice, flooding or not as we all would like to hear from you.