Heavy rains fall on Venice -- but the famed 'City of Water' got more than it bargained for.

Water in the capital of Italy's northeastern Veneto region rose to 140 centimetres above sea level on Wednesday night, submerging some 58 percent of the city.

Here, tourists wade through knee-deep water in the famed St. Mark's Square.

According to local news agencies, many buildings have been flooded by the unusually high waters.

While Venice -- renowned for the canals that weave through the city -- is no stranger to water, the floods are putting the delicate system under heavy stress.

The last time similar flood levels were recorded was Christmas 2010, when waters reached 144 centimetres above sea level.