[1/4] A view of St. Mark's Square during exceptional high tide as the flood barriers known as Mose are raised, in Venice, Italy, November 22, 2022.
REUTERS/Manuel SilvestriVENICE, Italy, Nov 22 (Reuters) - A dam system built to protect Venice and its famous Piazza San Marco from flooding withstood the challenge of an exceptionally high tide on Tuesday as heavy rains swept across Italy.
However, the Mose, a system of 78 flood gates rising from the Venetian lagoon floor, was activated in advance overnight, shielding the city from the high waters seen at sea.
"If the Mose barriers had not been there, Venice would have been catastrophically under water," Italy's Transport Minister Matteo Salvini said.
High tides are expected to last well into Wednesday and Thursday, with a tide of up to 140 cm forecast for both days.