An unusually high tide flooded parts of Venice on Saturday forcing tourists to take off their shoes and wade through the city's famous landmarks.

A video showed Saint Mark's Square's famous 12 Century paving completely inundated with water and tourists paddling across to the Basilica.

According to the filmer, these unusually high tides occur roughly once every five years.

Footage of flooded Venice and the unusual phenomenon of a very high tide which happens on average once every five years

Footage of Venice and the unusual phenomenon of a very high tide which happens on average once every five years.

Footage of the famous San Marco's Square in Venice and the unusual phenomenon of a very high tide which happens on average once every five years.

Footage of the famous San Marco's Square in Venice and the unusual phenomenon of a very high tide which happens on average once every five years.