Acqua alta a Venezia – this is the Italian expression used for the tide peaks that occur periodically in the northern Adriatic Sea, reaching their maximum in the Venetian Lagoon, where they cause partial flooding of Venice and Chioggia.
The phenomenon occurs mainly between the fall and spring, when the astronomical tides are reinforced by the seasonal winds, in particular scirocco and bora.
The flooding caused by the acqua alta is not the same throughout Venice due to different factors, including the varying altitude of each zone, the relative height of the sidewalks or pavements, and the layout of the sewer and water drainage network.
St. Mark's Square is not far above sea level and during acqua alta, it is quick to flood.
Watch a time-lapse video of St. Mark’s Square affected by acqua alta:
Have you ever visited Venice during high tide?
