Walls of Venice: The Costly Battle Against Flooding

The MOSE project in Venice involves constructing barriers to protect the city from high tides. It includes 78 barriers with spares for maintenance. The project faced operational challenges due to severe weather conditions, requiring up to 15 workers for operations. Testing is ongoing, and the project will activate only under specific conditions threatening the city. Despite high costs, the project aims to preserve Venice's cultural heritage. Future plans include completing ancillary work and protecting Saint Mark's Cathedral from flooding. The project is expected to be fully operational by 2021.

What is the purpose of the barriers built in the Venice Lagoon?

How many barriers are there in total, including spares, for the lagoon?

What are the operating conditions that the machines must respect during operations?

What is the significance of the MOSE project for the city of Venice?

What challenges does Venice face regarding flooding and high tides?

What is the estimated cost of the MOSE project upon completion?

How does the design of Saint Mark's Square contribute to flooding issues?