Birmingham, England has more miles of canals than Venice, Italy.

Birmingham is at the hub of the country's (England's) canal network. There are 35 miles (56 km) of canals within the city, of which most are navigable. Birmingham is often described as having more miles of canal than Venice. This is technically correct (Venice has 26 miles). However, Birmingham is far larger than Venice, so the latter has a far higher concentration of canals; and the type of waterway is very different. Counting water volume and taking into account depth measurements, Birmingham has more cubic meters of water pass through its canals than any other city in the world.

More Info: en.m.wikipedia.org

Test your knowledge

What are your thoughts on this subject?

47 Comments

Larry W. Jones

I didn't figure the question would be posed in such a way if it weren't true.

brettm

Very good question and I would never know this without this question and answer. I love England history and facts.

Sybilla

Larry W. Jones, exactly my thinking.

Irene Townsend

Very interesting question and surprising information. Something I hadn't realized before. Thanks.

Irene Townsend

Owen King, Re-read the question, It didn't say more canals it says more miles of canals. He also stated that Birmingham is far larger than Venice.

allysweets

David Coe, no, in this case I don’t see it as “ tricky”. It DID ask for “ how many miles” in the question 😊

June

The Birmingham canals may not be quite as famous, or picturesque, but I'm sure there are some beautiful areas.

David Coe

Birmingham doesn't have more canals Venice, but it does have more MILES of canals. so, actually a trick question

Chrissie

Owen King, Yes, but also Birmingham is a hub for goods passing by canal to other landlocked places, whereas Venice's canals are just for people and goods moving around within Venice. Anything coming or going from elsewhere went by sea in the past; now by sea or rail.