“Skyscrapers of the sea”

So once again the debate on Super liners visiting the Italian city of Venice has sparked a new debate .

The Italian government stepped in at a national level to resolve the bitterly divisive issue that provoked an international campaign, after last year a decree was overturned by a regional tribunal to ban vessels over 96000 tonnes from docking in Venice. This has now been restored and set to go ahead in 2015.

The government have tried to defuse the situation by offering an alternative route for ships to still allow them and their passengers access into this historic city. However this has provoked a fresh outcry from environmentalists and residents concerned about its impact on the lagoon city’s fragile environment.

Cruise ships currently pass within 300 Meters of Venice’s iconic St. Mark’s Square, treating passengers to amazing views of some of the city’s spectacular architecture. As well as ruining the skyline, these cruise ships now renamed “skyscrapers of the seas” are also  being blamed for threatening precious the city’s Medieval buildings with corrosive smog and worries of the effects the vibrations from the vessels could possibly have on these centuries-old buildings.

Just recently a letter and petition calling for a total ban on cruise liners entering Venice Lagoon was signed by more then 60 celebrities, architects and writers is sent to the Italian government. Celebrities including Sir Michael Caine, Michael Douglas and Kate Blanchett are amongst many who have sign and backs the following letter :-

‘Dear Prime Minister, dear Minister,

Having prevailed against flood, pestilence, and war for more than thirteen centuries, Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic, and unparalleled UNESCO Word Heritage site, now, in a moment of relative tranquility, finds herself mortally threatened by the daily transit of gargantuan ocean liners, indifferent to the probable risk of catastrophe.

Since the flood of 1966, Italy and countless Italian and international supporters have contributed to the defense of the world’s most fragile city, eternally subject to destruction.

The absolute lack of respect presented by the outlandish spectacle of the ongoing obstruction and potentially destruction, of one of humanity’s pre-eminent monuments is not only dumbfounding but both morally and culturally unacceptable.

We urgently request an immediate and irrevocable halt to the traffic of the Big Ships in front of San Marco and along the Giudecca Canal putting an end to this senseless devastation.’

What are your thoughts on this Debate?

I really can see if from both sides. Venice is a historic and beautiful city which should be protected. However I think the fact they have offered an alternative to try and pacify all that are concerned should be met with the same reasoning. I understand they are thinking about the effect it will have on the fragile city but are the also thinking about the effect it will have on the economy over there? The cruise industry brings in Millions each year if they manage to bring in this ban where will they find this lost money ?

Have you been to Venice and agreed that these huge ships are ruining the City?

Do you think that in this world today they should be grateful for the business and money the cruise industry brings to Italy and in particular Venice?

I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject.