Venice, one of the world’s most romantic and historic destinations, has become the epicenter of international celebrity attention in recent hours. Billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his fiancée, Lauren Sánchez, touched down in the city on Wednesday, June 25, ahead of their lavish wedding — an event already being hailed as the “wedding of the year.”

Images of the couple leaving the luxurious Aman Venice hotel on the Grand Canal have quickly circulated across global media. The five-star hotel, known for its stunning architecture and unparalleled privacy, is expected to host both the couple and many of their high-profile guests.

According to Reuters, more than 90 private jets are expected to land at regional airports during the three-day celebration. Among the guests are influential figures from politics, business, and the arts — a testament to the event’s global significance and elite guest list.

The wedding’s total cost is estimated between $46 million and $56 million, a staggering figure that has sparked criticism amid ongoing social and economic inequalities across Europe.

Celebrations Begin Against a Backdrop of History — and Tension

The festivities officially kick off today, with an outdoor dinner set in the grounds of the medieval Madonna dell’Orto church, located in Venice’s historic Cannaregio district. Known for its charm and authenticity, the area is usually shielded from the excesses of mass tourism.

However, heightened fears of protests have prompted the Venice municipality to enforce a lockdown of the area, citing security concerns. This move has ignited backlash from locals and activists, many of whom have been voicing discontent for weeks over the city’s increasing commodification.

Critics argue that the issue goes beyond this single wedding, reflecting a broader erosion of Venice’s cultural identity in the face of luxury-driven events and commercialization.