Where is Venice?

People fleeing invasions after the fall of the Western Roman Empire settled the marshy islands of the Venetian Lagoon from the 5th century. Builders drove millions of wooden piles into the mud to support stone foundations, many of which still hold up the city today. Venice grew into a wealthy maritime republic that dominated trade between Europe and the East for centuries. Its islands are linked by around 150 canals and more than 400 bridges, with the Grand Canal winding about 3.8 km through the centre. Rising seas and sinking ground cause frequent flooding, and the MOSE flood barrier system began operating in 2020.