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The Venetian Lagoon

The Venetian Lagoon is an enclosed bay of the Adriatic Sea, located in northern Italy, in which the city of Venice is situated. The lagoon stretches from the River Sile in the north to the Brenta in the south, with a surface area of around 550 square kilometers (212 square miles). It is around 8% land, including Venice itself and many smaller islands. About 11% is permanently covered by open water, or canal, as the network of dredged channels are called, while around 80% consists of mud flats, tidal shallows and salt marshes. The Venetian Lagoon is the largest wetland in the Mediterranean Basin. It is connected to the Adriatic Sea by three inlets: Lido, Malamocco and Chioggia. The lagoon is subject to high variations in water level, with the most extreme being the spring tides known as the acqua alta (Italian for “high water”), which regularly flood much of Venice. The lagoon has a rich history. It was formed about six to seven thousand years ago when the marine transgression following the Ice Age flooded the upper Adriatic coastal plain. In Roman times, it was part of a system of estuarine lagoons that extended from Ravenna north to Trieste. In the sixth century, it gave security to Romanized people fleeing invaders (mostly Huns). Later, it provided naturally protected conditions for the growth of the Venetian Republic and its maritime empire. Today, it still provides a base for a seaport, the Venetian Arsenal, and for fishing, as well as a limited amount of hunting and fish farming. The Venetian Lagoon is home to many islands including Venice itself. The island of Torcello can be seen from the lagoon at low tide. The lagoon has a surface elevation of 3 meters (9.8 feet). It is comprised of many smaller islands both natural and man-made. Some of these islands are inhabited while others are not. The Venetian Lagoon is an important environment that has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. It is also an important tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors each year. Visitors can take boat tours around the lagoon to see its many islands and enjoy its natural beauty. The lagoon also provides opportunities for birdwatching and other outdoor activities. The Venetian Lagoon is a unique environment that has played an important role in Italian history. Its natural beauty and rich history make it an important tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors each year. Whether you’re interested in history or just want to enjoy its natural beauty, there’s something for everyone at The Venetian Lagoon.

In the gallery below, are the islands in the lagoon that I have visited.

Isola Di San Pietro