The secret of Venice

Besides being a marvel of Italian art, Venice is unique in another way: its architecture

Venice, a city of unparalleled beauty and architectural brilliance, is often admired for its canals, bridges, and historic buildings. However, beneath its stunning facades lies a remarkable feat of engineering that has allowed the city to stand resiliently for centuries. The secret behind Venice’s endurance lies in its structural foundation — thousands of wooden piles driven deep into the lagoon’s seabed.

Why Wood Was Chosen

At first glance, wood may seem like an odd choice for supporting an entire city, especially one…built over water! However, the decision to use wood was both practical and ingenious. When Venice was first settled in the 5th century, stone and brick were too heavy to be placed directly on the soft, marshy soil of the lagoon. Instead, Venetians opted for a foundation of wooden piles made from alder, oak, and larch — types of wood known for their durability and resistance to moisture.

Additionally, wood was a readily available resource from the forests of northern Italy and the Dalmatian coast, making it an ideal material for construction. Transporting and working with wood was far more feasible than using stone, especially in a waterlogged environment like…