Venice remains dry as flood barriers pass first emergency

(John Walton/PA)

Underwater barriers in Venice have passed their first emergency with flying colours, protecting the Italian lagoon city from a tide that peaked at 130cm, a level that would normally inundate about half of the city.

St Mark’s Square, one of the lowest points in the city, remained dry as tourists criss-crossed the space, ignoring the raised walkways put in place each autumn against the notorious high tides.