Grounded...misery for city’s gondolas as Venice runs dry
VENICE’S famous canals have run dry because of unusually low tides.
Water levels have dropped by as much as 23in in some parts of the city.
The famous gondolas have been grounded and tourists are unable to take a water taxi in some parts of the lagoon city.
It is the second year in a row Venice’s canals have run dry.
Experts blame the combination of high atmospheric pressure in the upper Adriatic Sea, cold weather and little rain.
Two years ago water levels fell by almost 28in.
But the city is also hit by flooding several times a year and officials have installed gates for when water levels are too high.
Cellars and ground floor properties are often damaged during flooding.
The number of tourists visiting Venice has been increasing, with around 20 million people visiting the city every week.
But Britons hoping for a romantic Valentine’s Day treat with a glass of wine on a gondola may miss out.
Stefania Gatta, spokeswoman for the Italian national tourism board, admitted that people may be left disappointed but said it was still a chance for visitors to hidden gems in the city.
She said: “The canals really are the only way you can go from one place to another. They are used to carry heavy goods. They are essential to the life of the city.
“Frankly I don’t think it will have much of an effect on tourism. We are trying to point out there is more to Venice than St Mark’s Square and going on a gondola.
“You just need to leave the centre to see beautiful piazzas, churches and places where you can enjoy something to eat.
“Obviously if they are going to just go on a gondola, they will be disappointed.” explore