24th October 2024
The inverted forest: why is Venice called this?
The nickname “inverted forest” is tied to the engineering technique used to build the city. Venice was constructed on a vast system of wooden piles that rise from the bottom of the lagoon to support the buildings. This process transformed the city into a sort of submerged forest: thousands of wooden trunks are planted underwater, forming an invisible but essential foundation for the structures above. Instead of growing upwards, as a traditional forest would, these piles sink downwards into the water and muddy soil, creating a solid base on which to build.
The mystery of construction: How is Venice supported by wood?
The construction of Venice began around the 5th century, when mainland inhabitants sought refuge on the islands of the lagoon to escape barbarian invasions. But how could a city be built on such unstable ground? The answer lies in the massive use of wooden piles, primarily oak, larch, and pine, imported from the forests of Northern Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. These trunks were driven into the lagoon’s muddy seabed, which was relatively soft but also rich in water, preventing the wood from rotting. The brackish water, in fact, protects the wood from oxygen and microorganisms that would otherwise decompose it.
Once planted, the piles were not exposed to air and remained submerged, forming a stable foundation upon which stone platforms were laid, allowing structures to be built. This incredibly resilient base enabled the city to expand and thrive.
Some of Venice’s most iconic structures, such as St. Mark’s Basilica and the Rialto Bridge, owe their longevity to this technique. Beneath the Basilica, one of the city’s most important symbols, it is estimated that about 10,000 wooden piles were planted to support its massive structure. These piles sink deep into the lagoon to ensure that the basilica does not collapse under the weight and moisture of the lagoon.
The Rialto Bridge, the most famous of Venice’s bridges and a true masterpiece of Renaissance engineering, is supported by 12,000 wooden piles. This has guaranteed its stability over the centuries, even with the constant flow of people and goods.
The city of Venice is the result of centuries of extraordinary engineering and vision. Its foundation on thousands of wooden piles and its nickname of “inverted forest” are not just historical curiosities, but tell a story of resilience and creativity. Behind every palace and every bridge is an engineering feat as ancient as it is fascinating, which continues to support one of the most beloved cities in the world.