60 Years Since the Acqua Granda

November 4, 1966 – November 4, 2026

This month’s window display is dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the great flood that brought not only Florence but also the city of Venice to its knees. The city endured 12 consecutive hours of *acqua alta* (high tide), which reached a peak of 194 cm above the sea level.

This *Acqua Granda*—or “Great Water”—was caused by the convergence of three meteorological events: a full moon, an intense weather disturbance, and a *sirocco* wind. The wind prevented the initial tide from receding from the lagoon, causing the subsequent tidal peak to compound the first.

Throughout that day, Urbano remained submerged in the water, wearing rain boots that were only designed to reach his calves. Those very boots are now on display in the window, alongside original photographs from the event.

Today, we are grateful for the MOSE system, which protects us and, crucially, preserves our built heritage—structures that would otherwise crumble due to the salt absorbed from the floodwaters.