In a bid to preserve the artistic, cultural, and environmental heritage of Venice, the Italian Government announced an upcoming ban on large cruise ships from the historic area.
According to the country’s culture minister, Dario Franceschini, this decision was influenced by Unesco’s call to reconcile the challenge of preserving the lagoon with the economics of cruise and freight activity.
The ban will come into effect on August 1. Consequently, ships weighing more than 25,000 tonnes will no longer pass Saint Mark’s Square for the Giudecca Canal or share the space with gondolas and water taxis in the city center.
In a tweet, Franceschini expressed that he is “proud of the commitment”.
Cruise ships have attracted negative attention in Venice over the last few years, particularly following a 2019 incident where a 13-deck MSC ship collided with a tourist boat docked on the Giudecca Canal, injuring several individuals. This event sparked city-wide protests, with many Venetians advocating for a total ban on large cruise ships in the lagoon.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when tourism was halted, the absence of boats resulted in Venice’s canals sparkling with unusually clear water. Huge schools of fish were seen swimming, while swans enjoyed the clear waters of the Serenissima.
The decision to ban cruise ships is likely to please many Venice residents who have voiced concerns about sustainable tourism and environmental issues in recent years. Previous attempts to limit cruise ship traffic entering the area have not been effective, but this ban aims to formally address the situation.
In April, the government diverted large cruise ships away from Venice’s historic center. These ships were instructed to dock at the industrial port of Marghera. However, according to Reuters, that port is not suitable for large passenger and freight liners. Currently, efforts are underway to find a new location.
This article was first published on April 2 and updated on July 13, 2021.
