Venice is the most stunning city in the world. 20 million tourists come here each year to explore the winding streets and the 1500 kilometre network of canals. They come for art, music, culture, history… What they don’t see is how this city really works.

24 hours a day emergency services of highly-trained experts fight to keep Venice safe. We have secured unprecedented access to the fire brigade, paramedics, police, rubbish collectors and coast guards as they face the blue-light emergencies and day-to-day challenges of running this unique city.

How do you guide a 100,000 ton cruise liner safer into harbour without damaging the priceless, 16th century buildings? How do you negotiate the canals and decode the labyrinth street numbers whilst driving a water ambulance? How do you clear up after the Carnival and the Biennale? We explore the side of Venice the millions of tourists don’t – the living city.