Canals
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Canals are the traditional routes of transportation in central Venice. Over 100 natural and altered canals dissect the island, the largest being the Canal Grande. Most canals are 4 to 5 meters wide and 2 to 3 meters deep. Over time, canals have been filled in to create more building space or to connect various sections of the city. |
Small canal, Venice. (Yahoo pictures)
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| Canals have also been dredged to decrease the amount of silt buildup brought in by the tides. The romanticized waterways create city management nightmares. They are essential for the movement of people and goods around the city, but they are polluted, tend to smell, and very, very difficult to clean. Aqua alta causes the canals to rise, dispersing dirty water throughout the city. | |
Canal Grande
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Carving a backwards S through the Island City, the Canal Grande is the main thoroughfare of Venice. It is the largest (4 kilometers long, 6 meters deep and 40-130 meters wide) and most centralized canal, accessible and easily traversed by larger boats. Lined by incredible palazzos, the canal is the boundary of San Marco and an area of elite residence. Three bridges span the canal, but traghetti, or gondola ferries are often used to cross the canal in areas between the bridges. The water itself is packed with ferries, water taxis and other forms of water transport. |
