Weekly Photo Challenge: Dinnertime

Location: Piazza del Santo, Padua, Italy

This picture was taken late in the afternoon at Piazza del Santo in Padua, Italy. Feeding the pigeons has been observed in public squares all around the country. Vendors can even be found selling grains to tourists.

It’s an act of compassion that most of us can’t resist. But now it comes with a caveat. Do it and you may be cited and pay a fine.

It appears that this long-held tradition is coming to an end. Many cities are starting to ban the practice due to the damage that the birds cause to the statues and buildings. According to one study, the resulting cleanup and repair cost each taxpayer 275 euros a year in Venice.

In the background can be found Donatello’s monument erected in honor of the leader of the Venetian Republic, Erasmo da Narni, also known as Gattamelata, circa 1446-1453.
 

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