Curiosities about Venice They take us to a famous tourist destination in the world but that very few know in its entirety. A small city located in northeastern Italy that is renowned for its beautiful canals and historic buildings. But that also offers us a variety of reasons to visit it, and to which we must add some curious data. So whether you’re planning a visit to Venice or just want to know a little more about it, here are some interesting facts you should know.
Curiosities about Venice that you may not know
1. The city of Venice is built on millions of underwater trunks
You may also have wondered how Venice was built. Well, it all started in the year 402, when settlers cut down trees from forests located in Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro and took them to Venice. These were mainly from alder trees known for their resistance to water. Once there, they managed to create more than a million petrified wooden stakes of 4 meters each, which they later sank under water.
This is how they created a base for the city, and on the logs they built wooden platforms, to finally build the buildings on top of the platforms. In total the construction process lasted 2 years.
2. The city of Venice is made up of 118 islands
One of the curiosities about venice that very few know, is that the city is not an island. There are actually 118 islands that are connected by 417 bridges and 177 canals. Of which 72 bridges are private and the largest canal is the large S-shaped canal that divides the city in two.
3. Venice was an independent republic for more than 1,100 years.
Another not well known fact about Venice or the Serenissima as it is also known, is that it is probably the oldest republic in the world. Since between 697 and 1797 it was an independent republic. However, in 1797, Napoleon conquered the city, but during the following century France and Austria fought for dominance of the city. Until finally in 1866 it became part of the Kingdom of Italy.
4. Venetians are unhappy with unsustainable tourism
With a total of 30 million tourists a year, and a number that is only growing, Venice is one of the most visited tourist places in the world. However, these figures represent a cause for concern for the Venetians, since they consider them to be unsustainable. Especially since tourism is not having the positive impact it should have.
And it is not only causing the deterioration of its historical heritage but also of the basic services of the city, which are on the verge of collapse. To which we must add the pollution problems generated by tourist overexploitation and that tourists do not spend much money in the city.
5. Locals leave Venice
The number of indigenous residents of Venice has dramatically decreased from almost 200,000 in 1950 to 55,000 residents today. The main causes are the increase in the cost of living, the boom in tourist apartment rentals and overcrowding in the city. Therefore, according to experts, if measures are not taken, it is estimated that by 2030 there will be no native residents in the city.
6. Venice sinks
According to the analysis, Venice is sinking approximately between 1 and 2 mm per year. Which is because the city sits on the constantly moving Adriatic plates. But also to the fact that residents have drawn water from the city for centuries.
7. The Venetians paraded with a coffin through the city.
As a form of protest against the decreasing number of local residents which fell below 60,000 in 2008, the Venetians held a fake funeral in order to raise awareness of this fact. For this they transported an empty coffin around the city in 3 gondolas. Despite this protest, the situation has not changed much and the number of residents is still declining.
8. The cost of living is significant
The tourism boom in Venice has also caused a rise in the cost of housing and living in general. The cost of living is more expensive than in 55% of the world’s cities. For example, an apartment in Venice can cost more than 1 million euros. Which has led to many houses being bought and converted into hotels and restaurants.
9. There are only 3 or 4 new gondoliers each year
one of the interesting curiosities about venice, is that to be a gondolier a professional license is required. Which can currently be obtained through a course for gondoliers, which includes 400 hours of training. In which, in addition to acquiring the necessary skills, you must learn about the history of the city and its landmarks.
However, it should also be noted that in the past this was a profession that was passed from father to son. However, only 3 or 4 licenses are granted per year.
10. Venetians hate cruise ships and with good reason.
In addition to bringing large numbers of tourists to the city, cruise ships are also responsible for displacing approximately 90,000 tons of water per ship. Which represents a negative impact for Venice. To a greater extent due to the pollution generated by cruise ships with their fuels and engines always on.
11. Floods are a growing concern for the local population
Another of the curiosities about venice, is that it is a city prone to flooding, as it is exposed to the sea. Therefore, the high tides of the Adriatic Sea, which occur between the months of October and January, cause floods that are part of the daily life of the Venetians. However, due to the phenomenon of “high water” as it is known, no one has drowned yet.
To this must be added the rise in sea level as a result of climate change. Therefore, floods are a cause for concern among Venetians. What has led them has installed a system of sirens to warn of upcoming floods. As well as having some walkways in case of flooding.
12. Gondoliers are among the highest paid workers in Venice
Gondolas are the most common means of transport and the main tourist attraction in Venice. So it’s not surprising that many travelers are willing to pay for an expensive romantic trip through the city’s canals.
This makes being a gondolier the best profession in Venice, earning an average salary of 12,500 euros per month. However, there are only 430 licensed gondoliers in the city, who own their own gondolas.
13. The city of Venice is home to one of the narrowest streets in the world.
Another of the curiosities about venice What we cannot fail to mention is that its streets are not wide. But what is most surprising is that the narrowest street in the city, known as Calle Varisco, is barely 53 cm wide.
14. There is only one gondolier
Although in the association of gondoliers they are convinced that it is a job for men. In 2010 and after 900 years of the profession, the first officially certified gondolier arrived. Although this has not meant a big change in the profession. Since today, Giorgia Boscolo, who is the daughter of a gondolier, remains the only woman in this profession.
15. Gondolas are black by law
Another of the curiosities of venice it is related to the color of its gondolas. And it is that according to an old law of the city the exterior must be painted black. This is because, long before this law was passed, gondoliers used to decorate their gondolas to attract customers.
But continuing with this type of decoration would have meant not only a strong visual impact. But also an unfair advantage for the richest gondoliers. So, to distinguish themselves from each other, gondoliers can only decorate the interior with elegant materials.