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Sam and companions arrived by train from Bergamo July 20, 1867 at 8pm. They departed by night train for Florence July 22, 1867. Mark Twain Project: Quaker City Itinerary
Bædeker Northern Italy (1877) Route 36 page 204
The construction of Venice is a marvel of engineering and a testament to the ingenuity of its early inhabitants. Faced with the challenge of building a city upon a lagoon, the solution was both innovative and enduring. The use of over 10 million tree trunks, sourced from the forests of the Veneto region and beyond, represents a massive undertaking. The trunks were typically from species like oak, alder, and various types of conifer, selected for their durability and resistance to water.
The process involved cutting these trees into long poles, approximately 25 meters in length, which were then driven through the layers of silt and mud until they reached the much more stable layer of clay beneath. This layer of clay was crucial, as it provided a firm base that would not compress under the weight of the buildings. The length of the poles ensured that they were deeply embedded, creating a solid foundation.
The phenomenon of the wood not rotting but instead petrifying is particularly fascinating. Because the wood piles were driven so deep underwater, they were deprived of oxygen, a key element required for the decay process to occur. In this oxygen-depleted environment, the wood underwent a process of mineralization, effectively turning to stone, which has allowed these foundations to last for centuries.
The Surprising Foundations of Venice