Cruise ships banned from center of Venice. Photo: Getty Images

Authorities in Venice have approved a ban on large cruise ships entering the historic centre of the Italian city.

Italian culture minister, Dario Franceschini, said the decision came in response to a request from UN cultural body, UNESCO.

Large ships will now have to dock at the industrial port on the edge of the city until a permanent solution is found.

Virtually all cruising in Europe is currently suspended, however, in response to a resurgence of Covid-19 across the continent.

Critics argue large cruise ships cause pollution and erode the foundations of Venice, which suffers from regular flooding.

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