Israel's plan to advance tenders for around 1,200 settlement homes in the strategically sensitive E1 area of the occupied West Bank has drawn strong condemnation from major Western allies. The UK, France, Germany, Italy and Canada called the move “unacceptable” and urged Israel to withdraw the plans, warning that development in E1 could undermine prospects for a two-state solution.

Gaza ceasefire efforts stall as humanitarian crisis worsens 

Since the last few days, 32 mountaineers have been stranded on Western Europe's tallest mountain to rockfalls. While they have sought assistance, the local Mayor agreed to rescue them only if they pay $110 each. 


32 mountaineers stranded en route Mont Blanc, told to pay $110 each for rescue 

At Italy's Volterra prison, something extraordinary happens: inmates transform into actors. As part of the long-running Compagnia della Fortezza project, prisoners work alongside professional theatre-makers, rehearsing daily and staging ambitious performances that challenge how we think about punishment and rehabilitation.


Inside Italy's Volterra prison, where inmates find freedom through theatre 

Israel and Lebanon have shortlisted Britain, Italy, Switzerland, and Indonesia as potential contributors to a new international mechanism aimed at verifying Hezbollah's disarmament in southern Lebanon. The list emerged from US-mediated talks in Rome, with these countries possibly providing troops to observe or take part in weapons inspections.


UK, Italy, Switzerland, Indonesia shortlisted to monitor Hezbollah's disarmament

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced temporary checks on air and sea travel from Spain, citing a surge in irregular migration linked to crossings from Morocco into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta. The move tightens controls between the two Schengen-area countries and comes amid growing migration pressures across Europe.

Meloni calls for Spain's Schengen suspension

A magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck the Campi Flegrei (Phlegraean Fields) volcanic region near Naples, Italy, triggering landslides and power outages. The shallow tremor hit at a depth of just 3 kilometres, injuring 10 people.

Italy Earthquake: 10 people injured in Campi Flegrei earthquake 

Spain has deployed military personnel to Ceuta, its North African enclave, after an unprecedented surge of migrants crossed from Morocco, triggering one of Europe's biggest border crises in recent years.

According to reports, tens of thousands of migrants attempted to enter Ceuta by land and sea, while dozens reportedly lost their lives during the dangerous journey. Reception centers have become overwhelmed as authorities struggle to accommodate the growing number of arrivals.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has vowed to deploy all necessary resources while coordinating with Moroccan authorities to restore order. Meanwhile, Italy has called for Spain's suspension from the Schengen free-travel zone, arguing that Madrid's migration policies threaten European security—a claim Spain has rejected.

Political Tensions Grow Over Europe's Migration Policies | Wion 

Spain has deployed the military to restore order in Ceuta after thousands of migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave from Morocco. The surge has left at least nine people dead, prompting emergency reinforcements as authorities struggle to contain one of the region's biggest border crises in recent years.

Tensions grow over Europe's migration policies: Deadly sea crossings claim at least 18 lives 

Former Italy star Andrea Pirlo has ruled himself out of the race to become Italy's national team coach following controversy over his reported links to a Russian betting company. Pirlo said he is no longer a candidate, ending speculation that he was set to take charge of the Azzurri.

Andrea Pirlo no longer running for Italy job: Faces backlash over Russian betting firm links

Reports in Italy say that Pep Guardiola is in talks to become the new head coach of the Azzuri

Pep Guardiola in talks to become Italy head coach

Protests have erupted across Italy after a Moroccan man died while under police restraint. Demonstrators are demanding justice and accountability, calling it a case of police brutality. The incident has sparked nationwide anger, with rallies held in major cities and clashes reported with authorities.

Italy protest: Anger after Moroccan dies under police restraint

<p>Residents of a small Tuscan village cannot agree on whether there is a crocodile in the lake or not. A photo shows the predator in a murky lake in Masiano, with its eyes and snout slightly above the surface of the water. He shared the photo in May, but despite this evidence, people of the village are not on the same page about the existence of the crocodile. However, visitors and hunters are coming from far-off places to get a look at this croc that may or may not be real.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The croc was reportedly kept as a young hatchling by an unknown person but escaped to the lake in Masiano during floods three years ago. The 50-foot-deep lake provides a great place for the creature because of the abundance of fish in it. It also has steep banks and sturdy fencing that stop it from escaping. Vivai Reali, the owner of the lake, saw the crocodile and informed the police about it. He also hired a French croc hunter, Olivier Behra, to capture it. But the creature has eluded him.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, he claimed in a Facebook post that it is about 5 feet long, which means it is still young, and he believes we have "good 20 years before it poses any real threat." He has abandoned the hunt for now and will resume it in September when the water levels drop.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, several people in the area are sure that the crocodile is not real. Tommaso Pinferi, a 35-year-old business owner, told the Times, "I've seen many strange creatures walk the streets of Masiano, but never a crocodile." But the person who filed the report with the police would have been careful about lying about it, since a false alarm would lead to his being imprisoned for six months and a fine of up to €516.</p><h2><strong>AI photo of crocodile?</strong></h2><p>The brother of the lake owner says that the police had the photo analysed by an AI research team in Florence, which confirmed that it was not fake. However, local officials are keeping mum on the matter, which has triggered a range of speculations among the people. Rumours are abuzz that duck and heron populations are declining in the lake because of the crocodile. Whatever the truth is, locals are capitalising on the publicity. A pub has introduced the "Masiano Crocodile" cocktail to its menu, while a local youth football team has renamed itself the "Masiano Crocodiles".</p>

A Tuscan village is attracting people from different corners after someone clicked a photo of a crocodile in a lake. However, the creature has not been seen since then. Some people are sure that there never was a crocodile, while others are capitalising on the publicity. 

Residents of a small Tuscan village cannot agree on whether there is a crocodile in the lake or not. A photo shows the predator in a murky lake in Masiano, with its eyes and snout slightly above the surface of the water. He shared the photo in May, but despite this evidence, people of the village are not on the same page about the existence of the crocodile. However, visitors and hunters are coming from far-off places to get a look at this croc that may or may not be real. The croc was reportedly kept as a young hatchling by an unknown person but escaped to the lake in Masiano during floods three years ago. The 50-foot-deep lake provides a great place for the creature because of the abundance of fish in it. It also has steep banks and sturdy fencing that stop it from escaping. Vivai Reali, the owner of the lake, saw the crocodile and informed the police about it. He also hired a French croc hunter, Olivier Behra, to capture it. But the creature has eluded him. However, he claimed in a Facebook post that it is about 5 feet long, which means it is still young, and he believes we have "good 20 years before it poses any real threat." He has abandoned the hunt for now and will resume it in September when the water levels drop. Meanwhile, several people in the area are sure that the crocodile is not real. Tommaso Pinferi, a 35-year-old business owner, told the Times, "I've seen many strange creatures walk the streets of Masiano, but never a crocodile." But the person who filed the report with the police would have been careful about lying about it, since a false alarm would lead to his being imprisoned for six months and a fine of up to €516. AI photo of crocodile? The brother of the lake owner says that the police had the photo analysed by an AI research team in Florence, which confirmed that it was not fake. However, local officials are keeping mum on the matter, which has triggered a range of speculations among the people. Rumours are abuzz that duck and heron populations are declining in the lake because of the crocodile. Whatever the truth is, locals are capitalising on the publicity. A pub has introduced the "Masiano Crocodile" cocktail to its menu, while a local youth football team has renamed itself the "Masiano Crocodiles".

<p>A Tuscan village is attracting people from different corners after someone clicked a photo of a crocodile in a lake. However, the creature has not been seen since then. Some people are sure that there never was a crocodile, while others are capitalising on the publicity.&nbsp;</p>

Mysterious crocodile sighting has made an Italian village famous. It may not even exist

Europe's largest active volcano, Mount Etna, erupted in Sicily, sending ash and volcanic material into the sky. Authorities say volcanic activity has since eased, with tremor levels dropping and ash emissions subsiding. Mount Etna remains under a yellow alert as officials continue to monitor the situation.

Europe's Largest Active Volcano Erupts In Sicily

Italy is battling multiple wildfires as firefighters continue emergency operations in Sardinia while overnight efforts helped contain fires in Emilia-Romagna. Authorities evacuated homes as a precaution, with emergency crews working to prevent the flames from spreading further amid challenging conditions.

Italy: Wildfires rage across Italy, emergency operations continue

<p>The Italian parliament witnessed major drama when conservative MP Emanuele Pozzolo refused to address Deputy Speaker of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Anna Ascani, as Madam President, and instead kept calling her "Mr President". Ascani hits back by calling him a "fellow female". A video shows Ascani stopping Pozzolo midway through his speech after he addresses her as "Mr President". She says, "Colleague, excuse me. Since this is the third time I've heard it, call me 'Madam President', otherwise, just 'President' is fine." But Pozzolo dismisses her request outright and once again says, "Thank you, Mr President."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ascani does not take this lying down and says, "Thank you, fellow female MP Pozzolo. Please continue, thank you," and gives him a confident stare. "If you're enjoying yourself, Mr President, then we're both enjoying ourselves," Pozzolo says. He defends his choice of words and says he is using the institutional term and calls on Ascani to “respect a member of parliament who uses the proper institutional terms.”</p><h2><strong>Ascani warns Pozzolo that he will be removed from parliament&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>"Colleague, I call you to order. You cannot behave like that," Ascani says multiple times as Pozzolo continues to shout at her in the parliament. She issues him a second warning, and tells him to continue with his speech and "never again address the Chair this way after it simply asked you for a courtesy, Mr Pozzolo." Ascani tells him to "review" his institutional language and "not address the Chair this way, or I'll have you removed from the Chamber."</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>German politician calls MP more sensitive than clitoris</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This is the third such incident in a parliament where women have had to call out bullies in the middle of a session. Kathi Gebel, a female German politician, recently went viral after a clip from March showed her shutting down an MP in the most brutal manner. "The clitoris has 3000 nerve endings, and you are still more sensitive. To get to that point is quite something!" she tells AfD MP Martin Reichardt, who interrupted her speech. Everyone in the parliament was left stunned and laughing, with Reichardt reacting the most shocked. He didn’t attend any plenary session that or the following week," Gebel said in a later comment.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/absolute-queen-german-politician-kathi-gebel-spar"><strong>'Absolute queen': German politician Kathi Gebel shuts down MP with savage 'cl*****s' comeback</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Rape legislation debate in European parliament</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Another incident unfolded in the European Parliament in April when Swedish MEP Abir Al-Sahlani was interrupted by conservative MEP Cristian Terheș midway through a consent-based rape legislation. "What exactly is a woman that a man violates?" he asks. She takes a jibe at him by saying that he is lacks arguments, and so is "looking for watermelon seeds in the garbage," implying that his statement makes no sense. &nbsp;"Only yes means yes. Everything else is rape," she adds, throwing her hands in the air.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>She wrote in a post alongside the video, "Anything other than a yes is rape. It’s that simple. If politics is not on the side of the victim, it’s on the side of the perpetrator. This is not complicated; it’s about giving women protection so they can be free."</p>

Another sexist incident unfolded in a parliament when Italian MP Emanuele Pozzolo called Deputy Speaker Anna Ascani “Mr President.” She called him “fellow female” when he didn't stop, triggering a war of words that Ascani ultimately won.

The Italian parliament witnessed major drama when conservative MP Emanuele Pozzolo refused to address Deputy Speaker of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Anna Ascani, as Madam President, and instead kept calling her "Mr President". Ascani hits back by calling him a "fellow female". A video shows Ascani stopping Pozzolo midway through his speech after he addresses her as "Mr President". She says, "Colleague, excuse me. Since this is the third time I've heard it, call me 'Madam President', otherwise, just 'President' is fine." But Pozzolo dismisses her request outright and once again says, "Thank you, Mr President." Ascani does not take this lying down and says, "Thank you, fellow female MP Pozzolo. Please continue, thank you," and gives him a confident stare. "If you're enjoying yourself, Mr President, then we're both enjoying ourselves," Pozzolo says. He defends his choice of words and says he is using the institutional term and calls on Ascani to “respect a member of parliament who uses the proper institutional terms.” Ascani warns Pozzolo that he will be removed from parliament "Colleague, I call you to order. You cannot behave like that," Ascani says multiple times as Pozzolo continues to shout at her in the parliament. She issues him a second warning, and tells him to continue with his speech and "never again address the Chair this way after it simply asked you for a courtesy, Mr Pozzolo." Ascani tells him to "review" his institutional language and "not address the Chair this way, or I'll have you removed from the Chamber."

<p>Another sexist incident unfolded in a parliament when Italian MP Emanuele Pozzolo called Deputy Speaker Anna Ascani “Mr President.” She called him “fellow female” when he didn't stop, triggering a war of words that Ascani ultimately won.</p>

Italian MP goes on sexist rant, calls female deputy speaker 'Mr President', gets angry when told to stop

European prosecutors have launched coordinated raids across France, Italy, Spain and Belgium as part of an investigation into the alleged misuse of €4.3 million in European Parliament funds by the now-defunct far-right Identity and Democracy (ID) group. The probe centres on alleged financial irregularities between 2019 and 2024. 

EU raids target far-right group in €4.3m misuse of funds probe 

Italy's longest river, the Po, is facing severe stress as extreme heat and prolonged drought drive water levels dangerously low. In some areas, seawater is pushing upstream, threatening farmland, ecosystems, and freshwater supplies. The Po River is a crucial source of water for agriculture, industry, and millions of people, making its decline a growing national concern.


Europe heatwave: Italy's mighty Po River shrinks as drought crisis deepens 

A record-shattering "heat dome" has gripped the continent, with nearly 200 million people facing life-threatening temperatures exceeding 35°C. From the UK to Germany and now moving toward the Balkans, this unprecedented late-June heatwave is breaking all-time national records, overwhelming hospital systems, and forcing the shutdown of nuclear reactors.


Europe Heatwave: Record Heat in Germany, France And Italy

Millions of people across Europe are trapped in a suffocating, prolonged heat dome that is smashing century-old temperature records day after day. From Spain to Germany, major urban centers are experiencing unprecedented thermal stress as a combination of high-pressure atmospheric systems and warming trends trap intense heat over the continent.

Europe Heatwave: Why Is Europe Sweltering With Historic Record-Breaking Heat?

A political firestorm has erupted between Italy and NATO following comments made by Secretary General Mark Rutte regarding the use of Italian bases during the U.S.-led "Operation Epic Fury" against Iran. 

Italy Challenges Rutte's Claims On Allowing US Air Operations

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is considering the option of announcing the nation's next general election as early as April, several months before the current parliament's term ends in late 2027, a new report said.


Giorgia Meloni Concerned About Popularity Ratings; Considering Early Elections

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni actively steers transatlantic relations back on track, calling for a swift return to normality with the United States. Following a highly publicized personal misunderstanding with Donald Trump at the G7 summit in France, Rome’s strategic pivot aims to reinforce solidarity and secure the crucial right-wing political alliance.

Trump-Meloni Rift: Italy PM Seeks Reset With US

US-Italy relations have come under fresh strain after Donald Trump accused Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Italy of failing to support Washington against Iran. Expanding a personal feud that began after the G7 Summit, Trump claimed America's allies benefit from US protection while refusing to stand by Washington when it matters most.


Trump-Meloni Rift Deepens: Trump Accuses Meloni Over Iran Stance, Italy Fires Back

US-Italy relations have come under fresh strain after Donald Trump accused Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Italy of failing to support Washington against Iran. Expanding a personal feud that began after the G7 Summit, Trump claimed America's allies benefit from US protection while refusing to stand by Washington when it matters most.

‘Italy, And Its Prime Minister...’: Trump Accuses Italy of Failing US on Iran

A diplomatic firestorm has erupted between U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following the recent G7 Summit in France. President Trump claimed in an interview that PM Meloni "begged" him for a photo-op, a statement Meloni vehemently denied as "completely fabricated." 


Trump-Meloni Spat Intesifies: Italy's FM Cancels His Planned Visit to Washington

A significant diplomatic rift has erupted between Rome and Washington. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has abruptly canceled his scheduled visit to the United States following comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump in an interview with Italian broadcaster La7.  

In the interview, Trump claimed that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had "begged" him for a photograph during the recent G7 summit, asserting that he only obliged because he "felt sorry" for her. Prime Minister Meloni has vehemently rejected the claim, labeling it "completely fabricated" and stating, "Italy and I do not beg."

Italian PM Meloni Accuses Trump of Lying Over G7 Encounter

A significant diplomatic rift has erupted between Rome and Washington. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has abruptly canceled his scheduled visit to the United States following comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump in an interview with Italian broadcaster La7.  

In the interview, Trump claimed that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had "begged" him for a photograph during the recent G7 summit, asserting that he only obliged because he "felt sorry" for her. Prime Minister Meloni has vehemently rejected the claim, labeling it "completely fabricated" and stating, "Italy and I do not beg."


Trump's Photo Claim Ignites Transatlantic Feud With Italian PM

Italy's FM Cancels US Visit Over Trump's Alleged Comments on Meloni

<p>Venice is celebrated globally for its winding canals and historic architecture. However, this iconic Italian destination is facing a severe environmental crisis. The town is gradually sinking into the Adriatic Sea. According to reports from the European Geosciences Union, the ground level is dropping by roughly one to two millimetres every year. Here is a factual look at why this famous water-bound settlement is slowly going underwater and the engineering techniques being used to save it.</p><h2><strong>The shifting tectonic plates and wooden foundations</strong></h2><p>The primary cause of the sinking, known scientifically as subsidence, is natural. Venice is built on 116 muddy islands, supported by millions of petrified wooden piles driven into the clay. However, the town sits on the Adriatic tectonic plate, which is slowly shifting and subducting beneath the Apennine Mountains. This geological movement pulls the entire lagoon floor downwards. According to a report by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, this natural tectonic settling causes the ground to sink continuously, making the wooden foundations increasingly vulnerable.</p><h2><strong>Historical groundwater extraction</strong></h2><p>Human industrial activity significantly accelerated the sinking process during the 20th century. In the 1950s and 1960s, local factories pumped massive amounts of fresh groundwater from the deep artesian aquifers beneath the lagoon. This extreme water extraction caused the soft clay and sediment foundations to dry out, compact, and permanently collapse. Although the Italian government officially banned industrial groundwater pumping in the 1970s, the structural damage was already done. The town sank by an estimated 15 centimetres during this short period alone.</p><h2><strong>Rising sea levels and the Rs 630 billion MOSE project</strong></h2><p>While the ground continues to sink, the Adriatic Sea is simultaneously rising due to global climate change. This dangerous combination leads to severe tidal flooding events locally known as 'Acqua Alta'. To combat this dual threat, Italy developed the MOSE project. This advanced engineering system features 78 mobile gates lying on the seabed at the three main lagoon inlets. During dangerously high tides, compressed air raises these gates to block the sea water. According to official Italian government data, the massive flood defence project cost approximately 7 billion euros (roughly Rs 630 billion) to complete.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While the MOSE barriers currently protect Venice from extreme flooding, the geological sinking remains an ongoing challenge. Travellers visiting the region should strictly follow local environmental guidelines and consider travelling during the off-season to reduce the immense physical strain on the fragile town infrastructure.</p>

Venice is gradually sinking into the Adriatic Sea due to a combination of shifting tectonic plates, historical groundwater extraction, and rising global sea levels. To protect the town from extreme flooding, Italy operates a Rs 630 billion system of 78 mobile gates known as the MOSE project.

Venice is celebrated globally for its winding canals and historic architecture. However, this iconic Italian destination is facing a severe environmental crisis. The town is gradually sinking into the Adriatic Sea. According to reports from the European Geosciences Union, the ground level is dropping by roughly one to two millimetres every year. Here is a factual look at why this famous water-bound settlement is slowly going underwater and the engineering techniques being used to save it. The shifting tectonic plates and wooden foundations The primary cause of the sinking, known scientifically as subsidence, is natural. Venice is built on 116 muddy islands, supported by millions of petrified wooden piles driven into the clay. However, the town sits on the Adriatic tectonic plate, which is slowly shifting and subducting beneath the Apennine Mountains. This geological movement pulls the entire lagoon floor downwards. According to a report by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, this natural tectonic settling causes the ground to sink continuously, making the wooden foundations increasingly vulnerable. Historical groundwater extraction Human industrial activity significantly accelerated the sinking process during the 20th century. In the 1950s and 1960s, local factories pumped massive amounts of fresh groundwater from the deep artesian aquifers beneath the lagoon. This extreme water extraction caused the soft clay and sediment foundations to dry out, compact, and permanently collapse. Although the Italian government officially banned industrial groundwater pumping in the 1970s, the structural damage was already done. The town sank by an estimated 15 centimetres during this short period alone. Rising sea levels and the Rs 630 billion MOSE project While the ground continues to sink, the Adriatic Sea is simultaneously rising due to global climate change. This dangerous combination leads to severe tidal flooding events locally known as 'Acqua Alta'. To combat this dual threat, Italy developed the MOSE project. This advanced engineering system features 78 mobile gates lying on the seabed at the three main lagoon inlets. During dangerously high tides, compressed air raises these gates to block the sea water. According to official Italian government data, the massive flood defence project cost approximately 7 billion euros (roughly Rs 630 billion) to complete. While the MOSE barriers currently protect Venice from extreme flooding, the geological sinking remains an ongoing challenge. Travellers visiting the region should strictly follow local environmental guidelines and consider travelling during the off-season to reduce the immense physical strain on the fragile town infrastructure.

<p>Venice is gradually sinking into the Adriatic Sea due to a combination of shifting tectonic plates, historical groundwater extraction, and rising global sea levels. To protect the town from extreme flooding, Italy operates a Rs 630 billion system of 78 mobile gates known as the MOSE project.</p>

Why is this Italian town slowly sinking into the sea?

<p>Venice is often romanticised for its winding canals and stunning architecture, but its origins are rooted in survival rather than aesthetics. Spanning 116 islands in a shallow lagoon, this Italian destination was constructed as a fortress against invaders. Understanding how this 'Floating City' was engineered shows a 1,500-year-old history of human resilience. Here is exactly why this iconic location was built entirely on water.</p><h2><strong>Fleeing mainland invasions</strong></h2><p>The story begins in the 5th century AD during the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. As Germanic tribes like the Huns and Lombards swept across Italy, mainland residents sought a safe haven. They fled to the marshy, inaccessible mudflats of the Adriatic Sea. The shallow waters and shifting sands formed a natural defence mechanism, making it nearly impossible for land-based armies to launch effective attacks. What started as temporary refugee camps eventually evolved into a permanent, thriving settlement.</p><h2><strong>An engineering marvel of wooden piles</strong></h2><p>Building a heavy stone city on soft mud required an unconventional approach. Early settlers drove millions of wooden piles, made from oak and larch, deep into the seabed until they reached a solid layer of compressed clay. Because the wood was submerged in saltwater and deprived of oxygen, it did not rot. Instead, the minerals petrified the timber, turning it into a stone-like foundation. Builders then laid non-porous Istrian stone on top to block corrosive saltwater from reaching the brickwork above.</p><h2><strong>The modern battle to stay afloat</strong></h2><p>Despite its brilliant engineering, Venice now faces severe modern threats. Rising sea levels and natural ground subsidence have led to frequent flooding events known as 'Acqua Alta'. To protect the historic infrastructure, Italy developed the MOSE project, a system of 78 mobile gates that rise from the seabed to block high tides. This state-of-the-art flood defence system required a massive investment of roughly $7 billion (Rs 580 billion). While successful in stopping recent floods, the barrier alters lagoon sediment flows, presenting new ecological challenges.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Venice stands as a testament to historical engineering, but its fragile ecosystem requires constant protection. Travellers visiting the 116 islands should support sustainable tourism initiatives and travel during off-peak seasons to help reduce the daily physical strain on the sinking city.</p>

Venice is an engineering marvel built across 116 islands in the Adriatic Sea. Originally founded by 5th-century refugees fleeing mainland invasions, the city is supported by millions of petrified wooden piles. Today, it relies on the Rs 580 billion MOSE barrier to survive rising sea levels.

Venice is often romanticised for its winding canals and stunning architecture, but its origins are rooted in survival rather than aesthetics. Spanning 116 islands in a shallow lagoon, this Italian destination was constructed as a fortress against invaders. Understanding how this 'Floating City' was engineered shows a 1,500-year-old history of human resilience. Here is exactly why this iconic location was built entirely on water. Fleeing mainland invasions The story begins in the 5th century AD during the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. As Germanic tribes like the Huns and Lombards swept across Italy, mainland residents sought a safe haven. They fled to the marshy, inaccessible mudflats of the Adriatic Sea. The shallow waters and shifting sands formed a natural defence mechanism, making it nearly impossible for land-based armies to launch effective attacks. What started as temporary refugee camps eventually evolved into a permanent, thriving settlement. An engineering marvel of wooden piles Building a heavy stone city on soft mud required an unconventional approach. Early settlers drove millions of wooden piles, made from oak and larch, deep into the seabed until they reached a solid layer of compressed clay. Because the wood was submerged in saltwater and deprived of oxygen, it did not rot. Instead, the minerals petrified the timber, turning it into a stone-like foundation. Builders then laid non-porous Istrian stone on top to block corrosive saltwater from reaching the brickwork above. The modern battle to stay afloat Despite its brilliant engineering, Venice now faces severe modern threats. Rising sea levels and natural ground subsidence have led to frequent flooding events known as 'Acqua Alta'. To protect the historic infrastructure, Italy developed the MOSE project, a system of 78 mobile gates that rise from the seabed to block high tides. This state-of-the-art flood defence system required a massive investment of roughly $7 billion (Rs 580 billion). While successful in stopping recent floods, the barrier alters lagoon sediment flows, presenting new ecological challenges. Venice stands as a testament to historical engineering, but its fragile ecosystem requires constant protection. Travellers visiting the 116 islands should support sustainable tourism initiatives and travel during off-peak seasons to help reduce the daily physical strain on the sinking city.

<p>Venice is an engineering marvel built across 116 islands in the Adriatic Sea. Originally founded by 5th-century refugees fleeing mainland invasions, the city is supported by millions of petrified wooden piles. Today, it relies on the Rs 580 billion MOSE barrier to survive rising sea levels.</p>

Why is this city built on more than 100 islands?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Visit to Rome With Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni Focused on Strengthening India–Italy Relations Across Trade, Technology, Energy and Security. The Leaders Also Reaffirmed Support for the India–Middle East–europe Economic Corridor (Imec), a Major Global Connectivity Project First Announced at the 2023 G20 Summit. The Visit Also Gained Wide Attention Online After the Viral “Melody Toffee” Moment Between the Two Leaders.


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