Glass barriers protect St. Mark's Basilica from Venice's high water

Temporary glass barriers have successfully protected St. Mark's Basilica in Venice from flooding during the autumn high water season. On this occasion, Piazza San Marco experienced 10 centimeters of water, but the basilica remained dry thanks to transparent glass panels installed around its perimeter. The barriers, built by Rossi Costruzioni and Kostruttiva, are a temporary solution ahead of permanent works to safeguard the entire insula marciana. Those permanent works will include closing the drainage system, implementing a drainage system, raising the banks with walls and elevations, and separating the sewage and drainage systems. The glass barriers, fixed to the ground for two to three years, have two side openings and two at the main entrance where metal barriers are inserted when needed. Previously, the basilica flooded about 180 times per year, causing serious structural damage.