“See Venice and Die”

I once saw a quotation that read “See Venice and die” the 17^th century traveller who immortalised those words shortly after seeing Saint Marks Square……. obviously enchanted by the magnificent architecture.

This week an appeal against the central Italian government decision to restrict the size and number of cruise ships visiting the port of Venice has been upheld by a regional court.   Venezia Terminal Passeggeri (VTP) and several other plaintiffs won their appeal pending a further review in June. VTP’s Managing Director Roberto Perrochio, was heartened by the ruling and said “This clarifies that the decision concerning traffic limitations was made without proper regard for the law”.  On that basis he also felt that the forthcoming decision in June will also go in VTP’s favour, enabling the Venetian port operator to continue business as usual.

The original decision by central government to restrict and limit the size of cruise liners was made following years of research into the detrimental effect on the eco-system within the lagoon area and reports that that the city is sinking at about five times faster than originally believed.

Having been to Venice as a young girl, I was captivated by the place and it would be such a tragedy if it were to suffer irreparable damage as a consequence of ever larger ships using the port.

It would be such a tragedy to see it damaged or destroyed by the very mode of transport I deal with; day in and day out. Having sailed into many ports, you can argue that the view from a cruise ship is ‘the best in the world’! Whilst I sympathise with the Port Authorities dismay at loosing revenue and the potential impacts on the local economy, I must confess that the Venice I saw when I was aged 14, did not have the volume or size of cruise ships that can be found today.

Perhaps we should remember what it was that caused the phrase “see Venice and die” to come into existence…….

Unparalleled beauty, the quaint mixed with flamboyant, combined with a cultural heritage that cannot be found anywhere else on earth, before that famous quotation has to be revised.

“See Venice and Cry”

Have you been to Venice?

What are your views on the size of ships sailing into Venice?

I would really love to hear your thoughts.

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