Italy has banned big cruise ships from Venice's Grand Canal.

It follows concerns the ships were a conservation risk that overshadowed the beauty of the city.

Under the new rule, large vessels weighing more than 100,000 tonnes will be diverted to the neighbouring industrial town of Marghera, reports the BBC.

The new rule will leave the waterfront of the iconic St Mark's Square for gondolas and water taxis only.

The MSC Magnifica cruise liner ship passes near St Mark's square in Venice's basin on January 23, 2011.

But the country's transport minister said it will be at least 2021 before the port and the new route are ready.

Venice mayor Luigi Brugnaro added: "We want it to be clear to Unesco [the United Nations cultural agency] and the whole world that we have a solution.

"This takes into account all the jobs created by the cruise industry, which we absolutely couldn't afford to lose, and we can start to work seriously on planning cruises."

Venetians have long protested against high numbers of tourists, including earlier this year when people in small boats tried to stop a cruise ship from docking.

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