Coast Cities in the Fight against Climate Change
As part of the five day conference ‘Coast Cities in the Fight against Climate Change’ at Barbarigo della Terrazza Palace, Venice, I am giving a lecture about Venice and climate change. My lecture takes place at 2:30 PM on 4 May 2011 and will be followed by discussion. If you cannot come, but would like … Continue reading
New Venice hotels on mainland, not in palaces
Another Venetian palace was put up for sale on 31 March 2011. Palazzo Stern is being sold by the Italian Health Authority ASL, as reported by Massimo Scattolin in the newspaper La Nuova di Venezia e Mestre (31 March 2011). This decision followed recent announcements that three other Venetian palaces (Dubois, Bacchini and Corner) would … Continue reading
Tourist tax for Venice?
The Vice-Mayor of Venice, Sandro Simionato, this week advocated the rapid introduction of a tax on tourists to Venice. The tourist tax, which is likely to be known as the ‘Venice ticket’, would initially be added to hotel bills. “The ticket will arrive as soon as possible and will bring the city €24 million a … Continue reading
Something fishy going on in Venice?
Rumours are spreading that Venice’s famous fish market in the Rialto area of the city could be closed. These rumours prompted a demonstration on 14 March 2011 by approximately 200 people, who were mainly merchants from the market. The demonstrators sought assurances that the fish market will not be shut. The protest was organised by … Continue reading
Venice Carnival Chaos or Fun?
Crowds flocked to Venice on 26 February 2011 for special events during this year’s Carnival. The day featured the ‘Marie’ procession of beautiful girls and others in elaborate medieval costumes. In addition, the second Biennale Carnival for children had a special day of events in the central pavilion of the public gardens. Local newspapers reported … Continue reading
Yacht docking proposal under scrutiny
A request from the company ‘Venice Yacht Pier Srl’ to construct new docking facilities along the Riva dei Sette Martiri are being scrutinised by Venice Port Authority and Venice City Council. The proposal is for a double quay and a dock of 2,430 square meters to be situated at the water’s edge between St Mark’s … Continue reading
Environmentalists challenge train link to Venice airport
Plans for a high-speed train (TAV) link between Venice’s Marco Polo airport and Venice’s neighbouring city Mestre are facing opposition from Green Party members of Venice City Council. The Council will examine the plans on Friday 18 February 2011. Gianfranco Bettin of Venice’s Green Party argues the plans will create unacceptable risks and lack sufficient … Continue reading
Entrepreneurs to help restore St Mark’s Square?
An appeal was launched on 9 February 2011 by Venice City Council requesting €1 million of private funds to assist restoration of Venice’s St Mark’s Square. Pavements and doorways on the Square need urgent restoration. Venice City Council has allocated €300,000 for this work. Alessandro Maggioni, Venice’s Councillor of public works, has called on entrepreneurs … Continue reading
Developing Chioggia
Promising investment to develop the marina and surrounding area of Chioggia at the south of the Venice lagoon was announced on 7 February 2011. In the first phase, docking facilities for boats will be increased to 400 vessels and a clubhouse, swimming pool, bar and restaurant will be added. In the second phase, the docking … Continue reading
Protest against high speed trains
On Saturday 5 February 2011, protests against the development of high-speed train services (TAV) will take place in the village of San Donà di Piave to the north-east of the Venice lagoon. The Italian environmental league, Legambiente, has organised the protest alongside local agricultural associations. This campaign threatens to limit much-needed high-speed train services for … Continue reading
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