Having never actually set foot in the city, it is difficult to avoid essentializing Venice.

As one of the most iconic and recognizable cities of one of the most culturally influential countries, Venice is a natural target of misconception. For some, earlier entries of this blog on the canals of Venice and Libreria Acqua Alta could be criticized as having condensed and misconstrued the Venetian experience. However, in the extensive research dedicated to this blog, one misrepresentation of Venice floats above the rest: “Venice is a tourist destination.”

From Facebook posts to renowned travel guides, Venice is repeatedly – frustratingly – referred to as an essential city for any traveler to visit. This in itself is not problematic. Venice is indeed beautiful and unique; a city deserving of appreciation and – more importantly – of respect. Unfortunately, however, while the city receives a large quantity of visitors per year, the relative respect for the city is arguably disproportionate.

A tedious amount of media – photos, videos, articles – are dedicated on placing the tourist experience on display. Selfie-spots, restaurants where celebrities ate, and other shallow attractions are advertised at the expense of the lifestyle and concerns of the locals. While tourism is crucial to Venetian economy, it is also detrimental to almost every other aspect of life in Venice, from the personal to the environmental.

What most know about Venice then, is the essence of tourism rather than the complex social, political, and cultural values that flow throughout the city and its people. As an apparent tourist destination, Venice is diluted as a temporary station for travelers, rather than a living, breathing nest of people and processes.

Essentialism forgets that Venice is – for many – home.