Does the canal water in Venice smell bad?
 

I am planning a trip to Italy and wanted to include Venice, but someone has convinced my wife that the water in the canals smells bad, especially in the summer. Is this true?

Not in October when I went. Maybe a little in the summer, but if your wife won't go just because of that, I wouldn't take her just because she is too naive, to put it nicely, to appreciate such a fascinating, historic city.

To Richard:<BR><BR>Don't be put off by the rude and insensitive responses.<BR><BR>I will go to Venice myself for the first time. When you go to a big city in summer there is bound to be odour: the food, the people, the plant ... they are all part of the experience. <BR><BR>I remember some years ago I went to Hong KOng in July. Upon landing, when the airplane door was opened, there was a collective &quot;wow&quot; from all the passengers because of the sudden rush of stench rushing into the plane. But you know what, after the while you won't notice anything because the olfactory cells in the nose get &quot;tired&quot; very easily and become &quot;insensitive&quot;. <BR><BR>I don't know where you live, but many of us are fortunate enough to live in cities with clean water supplies and air, and travelling let us see how others live and appreciate what we have. <BR><BR>

I had heard that the canals in Venice smelled bad. When I was there one July, I didn't think they smelled any differently than a normal harbor.

There was no smell in April last year. I'd imagine there's some odor in the summer, but certainly not enough to keep you away.

Venice does not smell. It is one of the most magical enchanting places on this earth.

We stayed two nights in Venice August 29 and 30. Our room overlooked the Grand Canal (across from the RR station) and we left the windows open. We were very surprised to find that there was no bad odor at all. And I'm very sensitive to bad odors! And riding the vaparettos we didn't notice any problem; just smells like water. Probably the person that told this to your wife was there years ago before they dredged the canals - anyway - not a problem.

The sewage is dumped directly into the canals, isn't it? Just curious:).

A friend of mine just returned from Venice about a month ago and he said both he and his wife enjoyed it very much and it was their top favorite of all the places they went to. They wish to go back. He went about 15 years ago as a teenager and said it's much better now than it was then. So I think it's cleaned up some. Another person I know went in the last year and said there was no smell at all. I was worried it would be like a sewer too, but feel it is not to be missed. It is such a unique city in of itself and has so much history. I think if you go, it will be beautiful. I am going in March.

Thanks to all who seriously replied. I knew when I posted this that I would get some derogatory responses and possibly be accused of being a troll, but the person who told my wife that Venice smelled bad is her boss who travels all around the world and generally does not criticize the places he visits. In any event, I am happy to hear that the canals do not smell bad and look forward to our trip.

I must admit that I tend to visit Venice early in the year but I've been once in August. To me the smell was just like a river, not unpleasant at all.

The Grand Canal is huge and deep enough for large cruise ships but the smaller canals don't get as much water flowing through them so occasionally the water can smell a little stale but it was not overwhelming or particularly offensive. No worries. Enjoy!

Wondering--<BR><BR>That question came up on this board a few months ago. There was an episode of NOVA (the sicence show on PBS) which said that. <BR><BR>I don't know if there was a definitive answer, some said that the episode was ood and out of date, and that there is a sewage treatment system in place now.

We recently returned from our first trip to Venice, 4 days in late July with 80-90 degree temps each day. We were pleasantly suprised that there were no odors from the water, the sole exception being a whiff of ocean salt water when we were in a gondola. Can't say the same for our fellow passengers on the overcrowded vaporetti, however.

Hi df,

Have you posted a trip report yet?

Ira, I did not post a trip report yet, but I have been posting random comments here and there where I think it might be helpful. By the way, we did appreciate your advice on many topics. Thanks.

&quot;Can't say the same for our fellow passengers on the overcrowded vaporetti, however. &quot;

I'll bet it was the same guy who sat next to me on the plane.
((H))

Sorry Bix but the Grand Canal is only about 15 feet deep and you won't see cruise ships going down it. There are some that can park on the edge of the city however.

We were there this June and it was in the 90's every day. Once or twice in our four days there I got a hint of river smell. Nothing unpleasant and certainly nothing to dampen the beauty of one of the worlds most unique cities.

We were there two weeks ago (in the heat of summer) and never noticed a smell, nor any mosquitos. We were pleansanty surprised by both.

I was there for four days last week. The canals did not smell and we thought the city was wonderful.