Venice Flashcard

Front

What is Venice built on?

Back

Wooden piles driven into the ground

Front

Why don’t Venice’s wooden foundations rot?

Back

Because they are submerged in oxygen-poor material.

Front

What is the name of the phenomenon causing Venice’s ground to sink?

Back

Anthropogenic subsidence

Front

How were the historic squares (campi) of Venice originally paved?

Back

With grass or terracotta bricks (cotto)

Front

What causes salt crystallization in the bricks of Venetian buildings?

Back

The absorption of saltwater from the lagoon, which evaporates and leaves salt deposits.

Front

Which is one of the most famous wooden bridges in Venice that can still be seen today?

Options: Rialto Bridge, Bridge of Sighs, Accademia Bridge, Calatrava Bridge

Back

Accademia Bridge

Front

What is the function of the fondamenta in Venice?

Back

They are pedestrian walkways along canals.

Front

What makes Istrian stone, used in Venetian buildings, resistant to water damage?

Back

It is very dense and non-porous.

Front

What are the main causes of acqua alta in Venice?

Back

A combination of tides, winds, and atmospheric pressure.

Front

Which famous Venetian square is most affected by acqua alta?

Back

Piazza San Marco