High influx of tourists into Venice creates an unexpected turn of events

An entrance fee for Venice was meant to offer a solution for overtourism. But the measure, planned for 2023, now threatens to run aground. — ANDREA WARNECKE/dpa

Magnificent palaces overlooking the water, gondolas bobbing on winding canals, museums bursting with world-famous art: The northern Italian city of Venice is unique, a dream destination for millions of tourists every year.

But there’s also trouble in La Serenissima – “the most serene” – as the former ancient Venetian republic was once known. The 50,000 residents of the island city are done with the noise and mess caused by tourism and want regulations to curb the visiting hordes.