Page 57 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Venice & The Veneto

THE HIST OR Y OF VENICE AND THE VENE T O  55

Restoration in Venice
One positive result of the 1966
floods was a major international
appeal for funds to pay for the
cleaning of historic buildings,
statues and paintings. Funds
raised are coordinated under
the auspices of UNESCO, with
offices in Venice.

Benetton
The famous clothing firm,
originating in Treviso,
represents the modern face
of Veneto industry.
Venice plays host to over
14 million visitors every year.

Restorers learn how to repair
and conserve fragile works
of art at a European centre
for conservation on San
Servolo (pp158–9).

Glass Blowing
This age-old tradition, still
alive on Murano, contributes
to the economy.
The Acqua Alta
High tides can cause floods
and paralyze the city. Contro-
versial plans for a flood barrier
across the lagoon have faced
continual delays. The problem
was exacerbated by subsidence
due to the extraction of under- Madonna dell’Orto (p144) was
gound gas and water (now restored with support from the
restricted). There have also been Venice in Peril Fund, which raises
calls for controls on the motor- funds for the city’s conservation.
boats that cause erosion.

1994 Voters decide against a divorce 2010 Floods in Vicenza and Paduan plains in November cause terrible
between Venice and Mestre, which 2006 Romano damage; half of Vicenza was under water
share a mayor and city council Prodi approves
construction of 2016 UNESCO threatens to place Venice on endangered list
1995 Centenary of the lagoon unless it bans cruise ships
Biennale Exhibition flood barrier
2005 2020
2002 Construction 2008 The 2017 Planned completion
begins on the fourth fourth bridge of the flood barrier
bridge over the over the Grand
Grand Canal Canal opens 2013 Venice pulls out of European Capital
of Culture 2019 bid, the mayor stating that The fourth bridge over the
1932–1992 Venice Film Festival poster it already is a capital of culture Grand Canal
View over Venice rooftops

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