Europe is a popular tourist destination for many people around the globe, but one common travel destination is sinking, and people fear it will ‘end up like Atlantis’
One favourite European hotspot is going underwater, and travel fans fear it could vanish just ‘Atlantis.’ The iconic city Venice is built on over 100 small islands and intersected by 177 canals, and it is sinking.
Located in northeastern Italy and serving as the capital of the Veneto region, Venice is best explored on foot or by boat due to its car-free policy. This unique characteristic draws flocks of tourists to the Italian gem. However, BBC Future warns that due to subsidence and rising sea levels, Venice is at “real risk of being consumed by the sea”. The outlet even suggests that in the worst-case scenario, the city could “disappear beneath the waves by as early as 2100”.
This alarming situation has led to comparisons with Atlantis, the legendary lost island described by ancient Greek philosopher Plato.
Jennifer Napolski shed more light on the issue in a TikTok video. A voiceover in the clip states: “Venice is an ancient city that once had the most powerful people, materials and power in Europe.”
It goes on to mention Piazza San Marco, the main public square in Venice, and St Mark’s Basilica, some of the city’s most famous attractions.
The voiceover concludes: “However, today, due to climate change, the foundations of Venice are sinking. The sea level is rising and Venice’s life is coming to an end.
“Perhaps in 50 years this miracle on the sea will sink to the bottom of the sea. By then the charming streets, romantic century-old buildings and dreamy islands in the water will disappear onto the sea.
“If you have the opportunity, you must take your family to visit this disappearing city.” Venice grapples with flooding during certain seasons due to “acqua alta”, which translates to “high water.”
This flooding is caused by a mix of high tides, wind conditions like the Adriatic’s sirocco winds, and low atmospheric pressure causing waters from the Venetian Lagoon to inundate the city.
Flooding is most likely between October and December but can happen at other times depending on the weather. Rising sea levels due to climate change are making the flooding worse, but there is a ray of hope for Venice.
The city awaits the completion of the Mose (Experimental Electromechanical Module) project to save itself from sinking.
The initiative includes putting in place 78 moveable gates to act as sea barriers which will hopefully help prevent severe floods.
Jennifer’s TikTok footage showing Venice under water has sparked almost 3,000 comments as travel fans express their worries over the fate of the enchanting city. One user ominously predicted: “One day they will talk about Venice like we talk about Atlantis.”
Another mused: “What if Atlantis was a prophecy instead of historical fiction?” A third voiced: “Venice underwater. About to be the new Atlantis.”
Someone who has visited Venice shared: “I was there 10 years ago and it was NOT this flooded.” Another user expressed their concern: “This is kind of terrifying for the people who have lived there for generations.”
Someone else commented: “It’s so sad that it could disappear I love Venice. I’ve been there so many times.”