Canals in the Veneto

Murano

Twilight in Venice

Padova

Grand Canal in Venice

Canal cities are not uncommon, but Venice is THE canal city. In most other places, canals are dug to drain the land or form transportation routes. In Venice the land was built up on the marsh and this formed the canals. There are no cars in Venice. Every form of transportation you would find on streets is found on the water. Buses become vaporetto, taxis become water taxis or gondole, bikes become rowboats, cars become private boats. Foot traffic still needs to be done on land. If any swimmers were to survive being run over by the many boats on the canals, the water itself would probably kill you. Beautiful as the canals are, they are basically open sewers.

Elizabeth Conte

The Canals in Amsterdam

Since the 17th century, Amsterdam has been one of the largest historic centers in Europe. During this time, a series of semi-circular canals (or grachten) were dug around the old city center. After the construction of the canals, houses and other buildings were built along the canals. Today, houses are still built along the canals thus making the canals one of the main elements that defines the organization and layout of Amsterdam. Many of the houses are built up on wooden piles for support above the canals. Having a house on the canal allows the residents access to a boat docking area. The canals are used for transportation in some areas of the city whether it is by a personally owned boat or by one of the city “canal buses.” The canals give Amsterdam a unique appearance that not many cities have and make it an interesting city to visit and explore.

Amy Altman