The precious mosiac floor in St Mark's
Basilica in Venice were protected by glass barriers for the
first time Sunday as an average-height 'acqua alta' hit the
lagoon city, under the 100cm-mark at which the MOSE flood
barrier go into action to prevent city flooding.
It was the first time that St Mark's Square was under water
while the church's mosaics were saved from getting a fresh
dousing.
The barriers are a temporary measure pending the long work of
raising the pavement in the square.
But they worked "perfectly", Venice officials said.
The 95cm acqua alta had covered St Mark's Square in 10 cm of
water.
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