What is keeping the buildings in Venice from sinking?

Question

I saw some floaters in an action movie, and I'm wondering if they are really used to keep some of the building up in Venice.

Answer 1

It's built on pilings on 117 small islands.  The pilings have petrified over the centuries.

However, it is sinking at the rate of about 1/2" per century.  It had a massive sink in the 70s--a foot over two decades-- when they pumped out groundwater for agricultural purposes.

Answer 2

They used a unique construction technique. They used pinewood piles which were driven deep into the mud of the lagoon , then they put a layer of bricks, on top of that they used Istrian stone for damp-proof foundations. This is what keeps them from sinking. Don't worry Venice will not sink soon. It has been around since 421 AD.

Answer 3

Nothing is keeping it from sinking and it is sinking slowly. Man and his ingenuity is trying many different  ways of slowing or stopping it with varying degrees of success.

Answer 4

magic

Answer 5

Hi!! I'm italian....I live not far from Venice....I've been there lots of time...!! Well, u have to know that many people tryed to save Venice from periodic "high water" with a sort of barrier...the "mose"....however this barieer haven't benne built up...!! So, very slowly Venice continues going down...! = ( but i'm sure someone'llthink about something of useful....i'm really sorry for my awful english...greetings from Veneto....Italy!!! = D

Answer 6

Don't worry. Go to Venice and have a great time. It ain't gonna sink while you are there.