Does Venice smell of poo?

Question

I have heard that Venice actually does smell of poo.

Answer 1

in the summer time it smells a bit stinky, thats coz the waterways are poluited by centuries of c**p.

Answer 2

It does NOT!!! And what coconut wrote about the sewage system is BS. They are in the 21st century as well, it's not like they are still in medieval time. The water does smell sometimes like dead fish and I admit it's not a place for a bath, but the reason has too be found in the quantity of boats in the canal. They travel by boats, no car, so of course the water isn't blue clear!

Answer 3

My wife and I spent 4 days there last September and never once thought that the city or canals smelled. It was really the highlight of our Italian vacation. The city is so unique and beautiful.

Answer 4

no it smells like rotted pee

Answer 5

You are getting conflicting answers because the correct answer depends on when the answerer is talking about.  I've been to Venice three times; the first two of those three times were in the '70's and then the '80's.  Venice canals smelled of "poo" then.  Further, their streets/sidewalks were dirty and foul.

But, and this is a BIG BUT, in 2004, when I was there last, the city and its canals were immaculate.  I wished that American cities could have such clean sidewalks.  And the canals were clear and fresh smelling.  Going on a gondola ride was absolutely great in 2004.

So I think the answer is...it used to smell of poo, but no longer does.  Go for it.

Answer 6

Yes, I've been there and it does stink like c**p.

Answer 7

Venice is beautiful and sophisticated. I was there in high summer and didn't find it particularly smelly.

Answer 8

Sniff sniff... or maybe you smell...

Greetings from Italy!

Answer 9

Yes, sometimes it does, depending on how the wind is blowing.  If you look on the side of some of the building there you will see pipes coming out leading into the canals.  I've heard that this is there sewage system.  That's why I absolutely refused to go on a gondola ride.  I lived there for 4 years and constantly had nightmares that me or one of my children had fallen into the canals..icky icky icky.  it's actually a beautiful city but I stayed as far away from the water as possible.  Had a bit of a phobia about it.

Answer 10

Is that why my toilet always smells like Venice.........cool.

Answer 11

Absolutely not! I have been there twice and never encountered a bad smell. Italy has a certain smell but not poo!!

Answer 12

I've been to Venice and it's a beautiful and romantic city, I was there during the Carnival... it was just breath taking...Loved it...