Popular European holiday destination sinking and could end up like 'Atlantis'

One popular European city is sinking and travel fans fear it could end up like 'Atlantis'.

is located in northeastern and is the capital of the Veneto region. It is built on more than 100 small islands and is crisscrossed by 177 canals.

The city is best explored on foot with the use of its hundreds of bridges - and it is a car-free zone, so the main main transportation involves walking and boats.

This unique feature of the Italian hotspot draws in. But due to subsidence and rising sea levels, Venice is at "real risk of being consumed by the sea", according to . The publication predicts the city could "disappear beneath the waves by as early as 2100", in the worst-case scenario.

The serious situation has led people to compare it to Atlantis, a fictional, legendary lost island described by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato.

Speaking about the issue, a video shared by Jennifer Napolski provided more details.

A voiceover in the clip says: "Venice is an ancient city that once had the most powerful people, materials and power in Europe." It added that you can visit Piazza San Marco, the main public square in Venice and St Mark's Basilica, some of the most famous attractions in the city.

The voiceover continued: "However, today, due to , the foundations of Venice are sinking.The sea level is rising and Venice's life is coming to an end.

"Perhaps in 50 years this miracle on the sea will sink to the bottom of the sea. By then the charming streets, romantic century-old buildings and dreamy islands in the water will disappear onto the sea. If you have the opportunity, you must take your family to visit this disappearing city."

Venice is prone to flooding during certain times of the year due to a phenomenon known as "acqua alta", which translates to "high water." This occurs when exceptionally high tides, combined with other environmental factors such as wind (specifically the sirocco wind blowing from the Adriatic Sea) and low atmospheric pressure, cause water from the Venetian Lagoon to rise and flood the city.

The flooding primarily happens during the autumn and winter months, between October and December, although it can sometimes occur at other times of the year depending on weather conditions.

Climate change is contributing to rising sea levels, exacerbating this flooding issue. However, all hope is not lost.

In a bid to hold back the rising water and protect the city, Venice is pinning its hopes on the soon-to-be-completed Mose (Experimental Electromechanical Module) project.

It involves installing sea-based defensive barriers made up of 78 mobile gates (which will allow ships to pass through), each 20m (66ft) wide and positioned at key points to create a 'coastal cordon' which, it is hoped, will minimise major events.

Jennifer's video highlighting the flooding in Venice has garnered nearly 3,000 comments. People are understandably concerned about the destination and hope it won't be lost with time.

One user predicted: "One day they will talk about Venice like we talk about Atlantis." Another wondered: "What if Atlantis was a prophecy instead of historical fiction?" And a third added: "Venice underwater. About to be the new Atlantis."

Other share their concerns. One said: "I was there 10 years ago and it was NOT this flooded."

Another remarked: "This is kind of terrifying for the people who have lived there for generations."

And a further commenter added: "It's so sad that it could disappear I love Venice. I've been there so many times."