Venice swept through the city on Friday to an exceptional level, prompting its mayor to close down the famous Piazza San Marco the day after the authorities declared a state of emergency in the city, which is listed in the UNESCO regulations.
Mayor Luigi Bruniaro ordered the closure of the historic square at a time when the sea level rose by the tide to about 1.6 meters midday and strong winds and rainstorms swept the region. The water rise is lower than Tuesday's peak.
"I have to close the scene to avoid health risks for the citizens ... a disaster," Bruniaro said.
Churches, shops and houses in the city, known for its canals, were submerged after an unprecedented rise in water levels, which hit a record half a century on Tuesday.
"We destroyed the gun," Bruniaro said. "We are talking about damage of about one billion euros, going back for only one day, not today." His comments came as far-right League leader Matteo Salvini joined a number of political officials who visited the stricken city.
The weather crisis has prompted the government to allocate 20 million euros ($ 22 million) in funds to deal with the disaster.
Before it was closed, tourists roamed Piazza San Marco, taking advantage of the sun's penetration of the rain, wearing colorful plastic boots.
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who called the floods a "stab in the heart of our country," declared a state of emergency on Thursday.
Earlier on Thursday, Conte met Bruniaro and emergency service officials and then boarded a speedboat to inspect the shops and affected people.
Residents whose homes were damaged will receive up to 5,000 euros immediately in government assistance, while owners of restaurants and shops can receive up to 20,000 euros and ask for more later, Conte said.
Bruniaro announced the opening of a bank account for those wishing to contribute to the restoration work from Italy and abroad.
"Venice is a heritage for all, unique in the world," he said in a statement. "With your help, the gun will rise again."
Known as a "floating city," Venice has a population of only 50,000, but it receives 36 million tourists each year.