⏱️ Read Time: ~5 minutes

Venice is Sinking. Now There’s a Radical Plan to Lift the Entire City Above Rising Floodwaters

For centuries, Venice has captivated travelers with its romantic canals, historic architecture, and timeless beauty. But today, this iconic Italian city is under threat—Venice is sinking, and the danger has never been more real. As climate change accelerates and sea levels rise, engineers and city planners are racing against time with a bold solution: a radical plan to physically lift Venice above floodwaters.

🌊 The Problem: Venice’s Alarming Descent

Venice isn’t just metaphorically sinking—it’s literally going under, at a rate of about 1-2 millimeters per year. Combine that with sea level rise caused by climate change, and you have a city that now experiences dozens of high tide floods (acqua alta) each year. In 2019, a historic flood left St. Mark’s Basilica and countless businesses waterlogged, causing millions in damages.

For American travelers eyeing European vacations, this raises an urgent question: Will Venice still be there in the next decade?

🛠️ The Plan: Lifting Venice with Hydraulic Engineering

In 2025, Italian engineers and urban planners unveiled a bold idea: raise the entire city of Venice by 30 to 40 centimeters (1.3 feet) using hydraulic technology. This ambitious plan involves installing thousands of hydraulic jacks under Venice’s historic buildings to gently elevate the entire structure over time.

This project, called “Venezia Elevata”, would take years—but promises to preserve the city without compromising its character. It’s similar in spirit to how historical buildings in the U.S. have been relocated or elevated for flood prevention, but on a much larger and more complex scale.

🌍 Why This Matters to American Travelers

If you’ve ever dreamed of a gondola ride through Venice or snapping a photo at the Rialto Bridge, now’s the time. Tourism plays a key role in Venice’s economy, and American travelers are among the top international visitors.

Here’s why this is the moment to plan your trip:

• Preservation in progress: While the engineering work may not begin until 2026 or later, efforts to safeguard Venice will likely create periods of restricted access or construction zones.
• Experience it authentically: Before the city is changed forever—however subtly—visit Venice in its raw, historic form.
• Support sustainable tourism: Your travel dollars contribute to funding and maintaining Venice’s environmental defenses.

🛫 Planning Your Venice Trip from the U.S.

Looking to experience Venice before it rises—literally?

✈️ Book cheap flights to Venice from the U.S. via major gateways like New York (JFK), Miami (MIA), and Los Angeles (LAX).
🏨 Stay in eco-conscious hotels in central Venice to support local sustainability efforts.
📅 Best time to visit: April to June and September to October for fewer crowds and mild weather.
💡 Insider Tip: Use a travel agency that offers flight, hotel, and tour packages to get the most value and flexibility.

✨ Final Thoughts: Visit Before It’s Elevated

The plan to lift Venice is not just an engineering marvel—it’s a last chance to preserve one of Earth’s most beloved cities. For American travelers, it’s both a wake-up call and a travel opportunity. Venice may survive—but it won’t stay the same.

So, why wait? Book your Venice adventure now and witness a living city at a turning point in history.