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Satellite Photos Show How Empty Venice's Waterways Have Been

Satellite Photos Show How Empty Venice's Waterways Have Been

The ESA shared two photos from above Venice on Twitter – one taken on 19 April 2019, and the other on 13 April 2020

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Satellite images from the European Space Agency show how empty the canals in Venice have been recently, thanks to a lack of traffic from boats.

Like many major cities, Venice has been a lot quieter lately as people are told to continue staying at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

The Italian tourist hotspot is usually overcrowded with visitors; its waterways heaving with motorised boats, cruise ships and water taxis.

However, these satellite photos show a slightly more peaceful story, revealing the difference between the bird's eye view of Venice compared to this time last year.

The ESA shared two photos from above Venice on Twitter - one taken on 19 April 2019, and the other on Easter Monday of this year, 13 April 2020.

"A cloud-free view of #Venice and the Venetian lagoon taken by @CopernicusEU #Sentinel2 yesterday," the tweet said.

"A comparison with April 2019 shows a reduction in the number of boats navigating the canals and change in water colour."

Not only are the canals no longer overrun by boats, last month locals reported the waters within them are also looking a lot clearer.

The murky water usually seen in Venice is now crystal clear in some parts, where fish have even been swimming around.

Real estate agent and life-long Venetian Marco Capovilla, 40, filmed several schools of tiny fish swimming under the clear water surface in the canals which were previously clouded by debris.

Marco said he 'had never seen' such clear water in the popular destination city, and added that it was a 'striking' view.

Marco said: "During these days, traffic in Venice has become almost absent.

"The city doesn't have sewers, so normally everything goes into the canals, including detergents and cosmetics.

"Thanks to the quarantine, we are experiencing a cleaner environment."

Let's all bring some positivity, support and fun to anyone who might find themselves in isolation as a result of the coronavirus spread. Need some entertainment? Join Isolation Nation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/coronasupport/

Featured Image Credit: ESA

Topics: World News, News, Coronavirus, Italy