Venice was built on millions of wooden piles in a lagoon
The historic city in northeastern Italy rests on a foundation of timber poles driven into marshy ground.
The city of Venice was constructed across more than 100 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon, according to a report by the Times of India. The settlement was built on shallow waters, mudflats, and marshy ground connected to the Adriatic Sea.
To create a stable platform for homes and palaces, builders drove wooden poles deep into the soft soil. These poles were packed closely together, with roughly nine piles placed in every square metre. Once the poles were set, workers laid thick boards or beams across the tops to support stone structures.
The foundations utilised timber from various trees, including oak, pine, larch, elm, and alder. For example, the Basilica of San Marco is supported by about 10,000 oak trees, while the Rialto Bridge foundation contains approximately 14,000 wooden poles.
The timber has survived for centuries because it remains submerged in waterlogged soil where oxygen is scarce. This lack of oxygen limits the activity of fungi and organisms that typically break down wood. While bacteria can still cause damage, the compact soil and tightly arranged piles continue to support the buildings.
The city currently faces challenges involving rising sea levels, flooding, and the preservation of its architecture.