The water levels in the ancient Italian trading hub are more than 1.5 meters above the normal level. Without flood protections, 80% of Venice's pedestrian paths would be under water.

Throughout history, Venetians have learned to live with high tides, known as acqua alta. But now, climate change is taking its toll on the ancient city, with flooding increasing in both frequency and intensity. Massive barriers, which temporarily separate the Venetian lagoon from the sea, have been designed to fend off the water. But they have also raised a difficult question: should Venice save itself or the lagoon’s fragile ecosystem?

From the Venice Film Festival, critic Emma Jones speaks to Eve Jackson about the event’s most anticipated movies, including Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana in "Spencer" and Pedro Almodovar's "Parallel Mothers", starring Penelope Cruz. In the studio, critic Lisa Nesselson tells us about two new movies out in French cinemas: "France" with Léa Seydoux and the erotic and mysterious Japanese film "Drive My Car".

The restriction will come into effect at the beginning of August, the Italian government has confirmed. Campaigners say the liners cause damage to Venice's ecosystem.

Before the pandemic, the Italian city of Venice was overrun with tourists and was looking for ways to restrict numbers. Now that Italy’s lockdown restrictions are easing, the city is looking forward to the much-needed tourist revenue.

The Italian government has announced a ban on giant cruise ships entering the centre of Venice. Accused of being dangerous, polluting and unsightly, the vessels will soon have to dock at a nearby port on the mainland. Italian ministers said the decision was made to "protect a historical and cultural heritage not only of Italy but of the whole world". Although the move has been welcomed by most Venice residents, hoteliers and shop owners are nevertheless worried about the impact it may have on the local economy, already hit hard by Covid-19. Our correspondents report.

Venice is widely considered to be the centre of European art and architecture. But after six months of Covid-19, including three months of lockdown that crushed the tourism industry, Eve Jackson visits the city to find out how it's changed.

We look at reactions from the papers after European leaders struck a historic deal and agreed to a coronavirus relief fund. The British papers are looking at a report which alleges British leaders actively ignored threats of Russian interference in elections. And Venice's gondoliers are reducing their boat capacity due to increasingly "heavier" tourists.

Italy, severely affected by the coronavirus pandemic, is counting on the reopening of European borders to save the summer holiday season. This is particularly true for Venice, one of the country's most visited destinations. Usually severely overcrowded, La Serenissima has found itself without tourists since the lockdown, although they are now arriving back in small numbers. But the city is today questioning its economic model based on mass tourism. Could the Covid-19 crisis become an opportunity to rethink the future of Venice? Our correspondents report.

Several Italian towns have taken urgent measures to stop the virus from spreading following the deaths of two people and more than 100 infections. Venice has called off its Carnival celebrations due to the outbreak.

Now that flooding in Venice has subsided, the city is dealing with the aftermath, from damaged buildings to mountains of trash. Estimating the cost of damages is a difficult business, and many Venetians are frustrated.

SOS: Venice is drowning!