Fact Check: "Venice is a city built on a group of 118 small islands."
What We Know
Venice, located in northeastern Italy, is indeed built on a group of 118 small islands. These islands are situated in the shallow Venetian Lagoon, which lies between the mouths of the Po and Piave rivers. The city is characterized by its canals and is connected by 438 bridges, making it a unique urban landscape (Wikipedia). The historical city of Venice, known as the centro storico, is home to approximately 51,000 residents, while the greater Venice area has a population of about 249,466 (Britannica).
The islands are separated by expanses of water and canals, which is a defining feature of Venice. This geographical setup has contributed to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, recognizing its cultural and historical significance (Wikipedia).
Analysis
The claim that Venice is built on a group of 118 small islands is supported by multiple credible sources. Both Wikipedia and Britannica confirm that Venice is indeed composed of these islands, which are interconnected by canals and bridges.
The reliability of these sources is generally high; Wikipedia is a widely used reference that is continuously updated, while Britannica is a well-respected encyclopedia known for its scholarly accuracy. Both sources provide consistent information regarding the structure and geography of Venice.
Additionally, other sources, such as Yahoo and Walks of Italy, reiterate this fact, further solidifying the claim. The consensus across these sources indicates a strong agreement on the number of islands and the overall structure of the city.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "Venice is a city built on a group of 118 small islands" is accurate. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that Venice's unique urban environment is indeed formed by these islands, which are interconnected by canals and bridges. The consistency in the information provided by various credible references supports the validity of this claim.