Harry's Bar Owner Demands Action on Venice Canal Speeding
The owner of Venice's iconic Harry's Bar has filed a legal complaint against speeding boats in the city's canals. The issue threatens customer experience and contributes to building erosion in the historic city.
In a recent development, Arrigo Cipriani, the 92-year-old proprietor of the renowned Harry's Bar in Venice, has lodged a legal complaint urging city authorities to address the persistent issue of speeding boats in the city's canals. This action highlights the ongoing struggle to preserve Venice's delicate infrastructure and maintain its unique charm.
Venice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, faces numerous challenges, including the erosion of its buildings due to wave action, known as "moto ondoso." To combat this, authorities have implemented speed limits ranging from 5 to 20 kilometers per hour in the city's waterways. However, Cipriani asserts that these regulations are frequently disregarded and inadequately enforced.
The issue is particularly problematic for Harry's Dolci, an offshoot of the famous Harry's Bar, which overlooks the Giudecca canal. Customers at this establishment often find themselves splashed by waves generated by speeding vessels, diminishing their dining experience. Cipriani proposed installing wooden barriers to protect patrons, but city conservation authorities rejected this suggestion.
Venice's unique geography, comprising 118 small islands connected by over 400 bridges, makes it particularly vulnerable to water-related issues. The city experiences "acqua alta" (high water) flooding approximately 100 times annually, further emphasizing the need for stringent water management practices.
In response to the complaint, Michele Zuin, a city councilor responsible for water traffic, acknowledged the concerns raised by Cipriani and other entrepreneurs. Zuin stated that the municipality is working to address these issues and plans to increase speed checks in the canals.
"We filed a complaint with the authorities in charge of maritime traffic in Venice (...) about the state of the (canal)banks which are lapped by the waves and become slippery and unsafe."
Harry's Bar, founded in 1931 by Giuseppe Cipriani, has a rich history intertwined with Venice's cultural fabric. The establishment gained fame as a favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway, who frequented the bar during his stays in Venice in the 1940s and 1950s. Hemingway even mentioned Harry's Bar in his 1950 novel "Across the River and Into the Trees."
The bar's significance extends beyond literature, as it was declared a national landmark by the Italian Ministry for Cultural Affairs in 2001. It is also credited with inventing the Bellini cocktail in the 1940s, further cementing its place in culinary history.
As Venice grapples with various challenges, including a declining population (from 174,808 in 1951 to 49,997 in 2020) and the impacts of over 30 million annual visitors, preserving its historic structures and maintaining the quality of life for residents and tourists alike remains crucial. The MOSE project, a system of mobile gates designed to protect Venice from flooding, exemplifies the city's efforts to combat environmental threats.
The ongoing debate surrounding canal traffic underscores the delicate balance between preserving Venice's heritage and accommodating modern needs. As "La Serenissima" continues to navigate these challenges, the resolution of issues like canal speeding will play a vital role in shaping the city's future.
