Why Nobody Lives in Historic Venice

When asked about the biggest city in Italy, most would promptly answer "Rome" with its population exceeding 2 million people. But what about Venice? This iconic city, known for its picturesque canals and historical charm, has a different story to tell. In 2022, Venice's population was a little over 258,000 people, and surprisingly, for 80% of them, the Venice they live in doesn't quite resemble the romanticized images often depicted in postcards.

The misconception about Venice is rooted in the portrayal of its historical center, known as Centro Storico, which is often featured in tourist postcards, showcasing gondolas navigating serene canals and ancient bridges. However, the reality of Venice extends beyond these romanticized views. The city comprises 118 islands, and its boundaries encompass not only the historical center but also the mainland known as Tera Firma, where the majority of Venetians reside today.

A trip back in time reveals that Venice's origins trace back to a humble fishing village around the fifth century. Over time, it evolved into one of the world's most important maritime empires during the Middle Ages. The strategic location in the Adriatic Sea provided access to significant commercial empires of the time, such as Constantinople. Venice became a hub for long-distance trading, and figures like Marco Polo, the renowned merchant and explorer, hailed from this maritime city.

Venice's architectural resilience, particularly against the challenges of its marshy terrain, can be attributed to the ingenious use of strong wooden blocks driven deep into the ground. This method protects the structures from decay caused by a lack of oxygen and water in marshy soils.

However, as the economic power of Venice waned in the 20th century, the city turned to preservation as a means of sustaining itself. Investing in its historical value and promoting UNESCO heritage status attracted tourists eager to explore its rich history. While this initially seemed beneficial, the intense surge in tourism brought about unforeseen challenges.

Tourism in Venice skyrocketed, altering the city's dynamics. Traditional Venetian stores, with their exquisite but expensive products like Murano glass, found it challenging to compete with newer establishments catering specifically to tourists. This shift in the economic landscape, coupled with skyrocketing real estate prices, led to a decline in the number of Venetians residing in the historical center.

Venice's struggle with over-tourism became pronounced when, in 2021, the city witnessed up to 880,000 tourists per day in certain periods, outnumbering the local population by two to one. Locals began referring to Venice as a "short-term city," emphasizing the dominance of tourism in the city's fabric.

To address the issue, the city implemented measures such as banning large cruise ships from the historical area and imposing a tourism fee. The fee, paid by both residents and tourists, aims to redirect profits toward making life in Venice's city center more affordable. However, the challenges persist, with UNESCO even threatening to label Venice as a heritage site in danger of severe damage.

In conclusion, Venice, often romanticized for its historical center, faces the complex realities of balancing tourism with the preservation of its cultural heritage. The city continues to grapple with finding sustainable solutions that will allow both locals and tourists to coexist harmoniously, ensuring that Venice remains a unique and vibrant city for generations to come.