The Hidden Skeleton of Venice

As the islands of Venice are separated by numerous canals, bridges are necessary to facilitate a means of walking to and from islands. These 473 bridges form the background of inter-island pedestrian transportation and are an integral aspect of Venice as a whole, as the main methods of transportation within Venice are either by boat or by foot. Other than serving as a pathway between islands, bridges are also used to carry pipes which house important utilities such as electricity, telephone lines, water, and gas. Another example of hidden infrastructure in Venice is the sewage disposal system, which in the past have consisted of brick settling tanks beneath houses that piped out of the canal walls. Gradually, more modern methods of septic disposal have been implemented in homes, but problems persist as many residents still do not understand exactly how these systems work.