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Pigeons: The Pigeons On San Marco
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It was stated in a report some years ago that there were about 105,000 pigeons in Venice. That’s a ratio of 1.8 pigeons for each Venetian. There are pigeons on every street, every piazza, every fountain, every statue, every roof, every telephone line, every windowsill, every canopy, and every wall niche.
Piazza San Marco held a very important role in history when it was used in the XII century as the site for the summit between Pope Alexander III and Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa I -- the latter eventually had to yield to the papal power and signed the Treaty of Venice. Unfortunately, this historical place is now pigeons' haven and heaven. Although a city regulation was introduced in the '90s to prohibit feeding pigeons, this decree granted an exemption to pigeons in Piazza Marco.
Can you find logic behind this bizarre law? I can. There is a big difference between pigeons on San Marco and pigeons on other parts of the city: the ones on San Marco are income producers while the others are just plain nuisances.
If you don't believe me, try to explain the presence of the licensed corn-for-pigeons sellers on San Marco. A business license on a prime location is neither cheap nor easy to come by, but while other types of enterprises could not muster enough finance to occupy a spot on San Marco, the simple corn sellers see their businesses flourish day after day. Who is to thank for this blessing? Pigeons. Who is the ultimate beneficiary? The City of Venice. Pigeons attract tourists; tourists spend money. Healthy pigeons equal healthy income equal healthy tax to collect.
It’s a tourist trap but no one cares.
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 Comments for Ciambella about Venice | | | | |
domenicococozza Fri Aug 31, 2007 10:04 UTC
Great Venice pages and tips. It is our favourite city. Sorry about the restaurants but some of them are good | Zvrlj Tue Jul 11, 2006 08:20 UTC
Really great photos of Venice. And some useful informations. Thank you. | BarryAir Fri Dec 16, 2005 01:58 UTC
I allways liked that winged Lion Statue. Heres hoping that Charles and you are doing fine...Barry in Louisiana | sandysmith Sun Mar 6, 2005 09:15 UTC
my fav city, love the travelogue pics |
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