10 reasons to save Venice

Venice is no doubt one of the most romantic and unique cities in Italy and in the world. Its uniqueness is also its death sentence unfortunately, as climate change and other factors are causing the once Serenissima Republic to sink. In order to avoid this jewel become an European Atlantis, the World is collaborating on methods to protect it. From the MOSE dams to fundraising events like the Save Venice Ball in NYC, we all need to pitch in. Known for its one of a kind architecture, canals, bridges, the Carnival and the star studded Film Festival, Venice has a lot to offer beyond these world renowned attractions. We’ve done some research and found more reasons why Venice needs to be saved, beyond the ones you know already.

Venice was built on wooden stilts
Did you know Venice wasn’t built directly on the surface of the island, but rather on stilts? Right, there are over 100.000 wooden stilts beneath the islands, which originally served as the foundations for the fishermen’s houses who founded Venice, and later became architect’s favoured form of foundations to build the beautiful buildings we see today. The earth of the islands was deemed not strong enough to support stone houses, and therefore these stilts were placed to strengthen the island by being anchored to the stronger soil at the bottom of the lagoon. The problem solving Venetian architects went as far as to build houses directly on wooden platforms anchored with stilts to the bottom of the lagoon. Some of these stilts are still visible in a canal, which goes from Pellestrina to Chioggia.

Ciao Venice: where the most popular Italian word was invented
Did you know that the Italian word Ciao (hello) had Venetian origins? In the past, people in Venice used to greet each other by saying “s-ciavo vostro” (your servant, at your order). Then, year after year, the greeting became at first “s-ciao” and then “ciao”.

The real history behind the ringing bells of St Mark’s bell tower
The iconic St. Mark’s bell tower is about 98 meters high and from the top you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view over Venice. It boasts 5 bells, each of them with a curious name and function. The Malefico (Evil) was once used to announce the death sentences in the Piazzetta, the Marangona was sounded to mark the start and the end of the working day of carpenters (also called Marangoni) in the Arsenale, the Mezzana sounded every day at noon, the Pregadi announced to the senators the starting time of their meetings at the Ducal Palace, while the Trottera sounded to invite the nobles of Venice to urge their horses to a trot as not to not be late to their meetings at Palazzo Ducale.

Venice Carnival masks
Perhaps one of the most beloved things for tourists travelling to Venice is the magic atmosphere you can breathe during Carnival and the mystery and charm which hide behind its traditional masks. There are 3 types of masks in Venice: Bauta, Moretta and Larva. Bauta completely covers face and usually doesn’t even have mouth hole, demonstrating guilt and hiding the identity of its owner. Moretta is an oval black velvet mask, originally worn by women during their visit to the monasteries. Instead Larva is usually white and should be worn with the hat and the cloak.

What’s behind the winged lion, symbol of Venice
The lion of Saint Mark, depicted with the wings is the symbol of the city and represents the evangelist St. Mark. It usually has a halo over its head, a book and a sword in its paws. Legend has that when St. Mark was travelling to Europe and arrived in Venice, an angel appeared and told him, “Pax tibi Marce, evangelista meus. Hic requiescet corpus tuum.” (May Peace be with you, Mark, my evangelist. Here your body will rest.)

The phenomenon of aqua alta
Venice is also know for the phenomeno of acqua alta (high water) which happens when the tide is about 9 cm above the usual. But do you know the reasons behind this natural phenomenon? Acqua alta usually happens as a result of interaction between Scirocco (the warm wind blowing from North Africa) and tides. Having discovered this, weather sites can predict when there will be acqua alta in Venice.