Europe travel guide

Venice bans bird food in St Marks

Venice, Italy, has stopped market traders selling corn in St Marks Square. The city outlawed people bringing food to eat in St. Mark’s Square last May, but is going a step further this spring by throwing out carts set up in the square.

Venice authorities have decided to make it illegal to feed the pigeons, which are often more numerous than tourists in the famous square. City officials have said for years that the birds pose a threat to buildings and monuments and are a potential health risk.

Many of the 19 vendors, licenced to sell the feed have objected but Italian courts have sided with the city. But they say vendors  should be compensated for the loss. City officials have been wrangling over whether to allow the vendors to sell souvenirs instead.

It is still not certain what the punishment will be for violating the regulations. Those eating outside at the many cafes in the square could violate the law if they share some crumbs with the birds. It is said an estimated that more than 100,000 pigeons live around the square.

This article was written for TravelSavvy Europe by Val Adams. For more information see: Venice - Top sights. If you know of an interesting European travel related news story, please get in contact.