The Piazza San Marco is one of the most popular spots in the city of Venice. But when sections of the centuries-old buildings around the square began to crumble, the superintendent of Venice, Renata Codello, was faced with a tough decision. Venice is respected as a city with very few advertisements; but she knew that the government could not pay for repairs. Now, hanging from the scaffolds covering the buildings under reconstruction, fly several huge banners urging us to buy watches and cars. The city of Venice has signed a deal with a large advertising company, Plakativ, which is funding the repairs in exchange for control of this prominent ad space. Of course a lot of people are upset at this encroachment upon historic space, but the superintendent says she had "no choice," what with her liability for injuries to tourists and all. Join discussion...