Venice is widely known as the City of Canals because it is built across a group of islands connected by waterways and bridges. The historic city lies in a lagoon in the northern Adriatic Sea.
Venice occupies 118 small islands separated by canals. The Grand Canal is its principal waterway, forming a broad S-shaped route through the historic centre. Boats, including the traditional gondola, have long been central to movement around the city.
The city grew into a major medieval trading power, especially through commerce with the eastern Mediterranean. Its wealth supported landmarks such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.
Venice faces regular high-water events known as acqua alta, while its foundations and surrounding wetlands are affected by subsidence and rising sea levels. The MOSE movable barrier system was built to help protect the lagoon from exceptional tides.