©Jodi Cobb/2009 National Geographic

Photos from “Vanishing Venice,” a story in National Geographic’s August 2009 issue. Above: Luscious decay is a constant, as is maintenance. Repairing a foundation damaged by flooding means draining the canal, then clearing it of mud.

©Jodi Cobb/2009 National Geographic

Framed in a café doorway, well-heeled tourists become flamboyant extras in the opulent theatrics of the city’s Carnival celebration. A pair of partygoers can easily spend the equivalent of $2,000 on a single day of Venetian fantasy, not including champagne or caviar. Wardrobes can cost even more: Custom ateliers in Venice may charge more than $3,000 to create a single gown, and some wealthy revelers buy a different costume for each night of the festival.

©Jodi Cobb/2009 National Geographic

To live in Venice is costly, but locals like this couple at the Casino of Venice willingly pay the price.

©Jodi Cobb/2009 National Geographic

For every resident Venetian, hundreds of visitors pour into the city each year to savor its gilded charms. Most will take in this view across San Marco Basin. Many could find themselves in acqua alta—high water.

©Jodi Cobb/2009 National Geographic

The workhorse of public transport is the vaporetto, or water-bus. It threads the Grand Canal, here reflected in the pilothouse window. The thoroughbred gondola (425 remain) is a romantic indulgence for tourists.

©Jodi Cobb/2009 National Geographic

The tide of tourism crests at Carnival, when crowds cluster around and near the Piazzetta San Marco. There are many other lovely places to linger. Mayor Massimo Cacciari advises, “Throw the map away. Get lost.”

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 at 12:00 pm ET by Katharine and is filed under Documentary, History, Photojournalism, Travel.