Tropical Typhoons and Humble Markers: Notes on the Past and Future of the Venice Lagoon

Abstract

Venice has a pluricentennial history of modifying the morphology of its lagoon and hydrographic basin. This uniqueness only partially relates to the cyclopean works that, since the early 17th century, led to the deviation of the mouths of all the main rivers from the lagoon (to prevent its filling) and the erection of dikes (to protect the littoral from erosion). The lagoon’s most significant feature is the non‐despotic, non‐vexatious, public, bureaucratic, and conservationist water management system run by the Republic of Venice. The most tangible evidence of this unique system of water management is composed of a hundred humble markers that punctuate what used to be (and mainly still is) the conterminazione lagunare, the area under the control of the Magistrato alle Acque (the Venetian Magistracy for the Waterways). Comparing the borders of the lagoon today with the path traced by these defining markers allows for an appreciation of the enduring challenges that this complex environment faces and will continue to face. This globally relevant case study of Venice and its lagoon encourages timely reflection on the effects of climate change on cultural heritage.