“Feeding pigeons is illegal in Venice”
TRUE! Feeding pigeons in St. Mark's Square and other areas is prohibited. The famous image of tourists covered in pigeons is now technically illegal to recreate.
Venice's pigeon population had become a genuine problem. Their droppings were damaging historic buildings - the acidic waste erodes marble and stone. The law is enforced: vendors who once sold birdseed to tourists were shut down, signs warn against feeding, and fines have been issued. The law was enacted in 2008.
Where the story gets it wrong
Many tourists assume the pigeon-feeding ban applies only to St. Mark's Square, but the prohibition actually covers the entire city of Venice, not just the famous square.
Some visitors believe the rule is merely a suggestion or rarely enforced. In reality, it is actively enforced, with fines issued to violators and vendors who once sold birdseed to tourists shut down.
The ban is often thought to apply only to pigeons, but it actually extends to feeding seagulls and other birds throughout the city as well.
Municipal ordinance enacted by the City of Venice under Mayor Massimo Cacciari, effective May 1, 2008, banning the feeding of pigeons in St. Mark's Square and throughout the city. The regulation was introduced to control the pigeon population, which was blamed for spreading disease and damaging the city's historic facades and monuments.
- Current status
- Actively Enforced
- Enacted
- May 1, 2008
- Penalty
- Up to €500