It could be the most outrageously expensive coffee ever – and considering it was self-service, even more so – but there was good reason for the high price, and it has something to do with over-tourism.
Venice, currently visited by about 30 million tourists a year, is getting tired of tourist hordes making everything difficult, particularly when visitors disrespect the city’s history, monuments and customs.
Brewing coffee on the steps of the 12th-century Rialto bridge, using a cooker, comes into that category.
Police in Venice fined two German backpackers EUR 950 (AUD 1512) for making coffee on the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal.
The couple, aged 32 and 35, were apprehended while preparing coffee on a travel cooker. They were also told to leave the city, the BBC reported.
It’s part of a new regime in Venice governing slovenly, disrespectful behaviour. Wandering around bare-chested (males as well as females) and picnicking in historic sites now count as public order offences.
The Rialto Bridge in Venice by night
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro commented: “Venice must be respected and those impolite people who come here and do what they want must understand that. Thanks to the local police, they will be sanctioned and removed.”
Those breaking the rules will have their identities shared with the embassy of their home country.
In December, Venice introduced an entry fee of up to EUR 10 for short-stay tourists.
The Rialto Bridge, connecting the sestieri (districts) of San Marco and San Polo, has been rebuilt several times since its first construction as a pontoon bridge in the 12th century. It’s now one of the most significant tourist attractions in Venice.
As for coffee, those wanting a cup in Venice will find no shortage of cafés selling excellent Italian blends, complete with biscotti.
Written by Peter Needham
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