Plastic poles for Venice?
Cost-cutting plans by Venice city officials are sparking debate: A heated discussion has erupted in the lagoon city of Venice over a plan by the city government. The proposal would replace more than 100,000 wooden piles, on which Venice was built, with plastic poles. The mooring posts and pole structures used to mark off individual channels in Venice’s canals have been made from so-called black locust wood since the 15th century. The city government is defending its plan by pointing out that, because of high maintenance costs, nearly 150 wooden poles have to be replaced each year due to wear and tear, costing Venice around 400,000 euros annually.
Plastikpfähle für Venedig? Die Stadtregierung von Venedig will rund 100.000 Holzpfähle der Lagunenstadt durch pflegeleichtes Plastik ersetzen.
Date: 30/09/2026
Opponents of the proposal argue on the grounds of tradition: They protest that Venice would lose its characteristic symbols. Suspicions that city officials may be favoring a particular company in the project have fueled further anger. The city government and the company dismiss this as nothing but a myth, emphasizing instead that the new poles would “save trees, save money and protect the environment,” according to an official comment. It remains to be seen which view will prevail in this debate.
The city of Venice is made up of 150 islands connected by 400 bridges. Venice has 175 canals and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987.
The city’s proposal shows that even tradition is not immune to change. The best example in Venice: For centuries, the famous gondolas were the city’s most important means of transport. Today, however, water taxis and buses have taken over that role, while the gondoliers who are still in business earn most of their money from tourism.
Photo: Alesia Belaya
