Starting with an introduction to why Venice was built where it is and how, the walk will equip visitors with the visual tools to interpret what we see in the historical context of this unique city, its relationship with the surrounding waters and increase our understanding of its possible futures. Together with the identification of particular symptoms, characteristics and remedial measures, the narrative during the walk will also provide an introduction to the current safeguarding challenges for Venice and its lagoon.
The walk begins in Campo San Polo, one of the largest open squares in Venice, and then threads its way among some of the tinniest alleyways and unknown quarters of the city, ending up at the glorious Basilica dei Frari. Along the way we will see the entrance to an historic palace, where the Serenissima Republic’s urban planning policy will be explained; many different examples of building degradation linked to increasingly frequent flooding and chronic water level rise; as well as identifying the various structural methods for adaptation and mitigation of changing physical circumstances in Venice. If possible we will also visit one of the sites where urban maintenance (canal dredging, relaying cables, raising walkways) is being carried out, to better understand the fabric of Venice and the techniques involved in safeguarding its future. This depends on where the works are being carried out at the time.
This event is part of our Out of Context lecture series, and is only currently being held on October 6 at 10 am. We can schedule it privately on a per-request basis, if given enough advance warning.
Participation in this walk automatically includes a donation to the Context Foundation for Sustainable Travel.
Cancellation Policies
