'Nature is taking back Venice': wildlife returns to tourist-free city

With the cruise ships gone and the souvenir stalls closed, the coronavirus lockdown has transformed La Serenissima's waterwaysLook down into the waters of the Venice canals today and there is a surprising sight - not just a clear view of the sandy bed, but shoals of tiny fish, scuttling crabs and multicoloured plant-life."The water is blue and clear," said Gloria Beggiato, who owns the celebrated Metropole Hotel a few steps from St Mark's square and has a view over the Venice lagoon. "It is calm like a pond, because there are no more waves caused by motorised boats transporting day-tripper tourists. And of course, the giant cruise ships have disappeared." Continue reading...