The recent developments surrounding the Coronavirus, and the lockdown throughout many Italian cities, have been a struggle for many and created an overall feeling of panic across the globe. While it is important to remain calm, it is totally understandable as to why the recent closings, lockdowns, and cancellation of major events can trigger feelings of paranoia.
The virus has caused a plethora of issues across the world, including its huge effect on tourism and overall day-to-day living, which has rendered many cities ghost towns. With major areas around Italy such as Milan, Turin, Genoa, and Venice under lockdown, tourist attractions that once saw thousands of people per day are completely empty.
From churches and famous shopping malls to train stations and empty flights, the virus is definitely taking its toll. With all that being said, here are 10 photos of Italy today that make it look deserted and unrecognizable.
10 Empty Flights - To/From Italy
With the Coronavirus Covid-19 wreaking havoc across the globe, flights are finding themselves to be more and more empty! Although Italy is currently on lockdown, and many countries have banned flights to and from the European country, flights prior to the shut down were practically empty, which is quite unheard of!
9 Trevi Fountain, Rome - From A Lot To Not
While Northern cities such as Milan, Venice, and Turin have been hit with the virus the most, cities finding themselves in the middle such as Rome are also experiencing major issues. According to the BBC, the Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte extended emergency protocols nationwide in Italy, which affected countless tourist attractions. This ultimately affects major sites including the Trevi Fountain, which went from a plethora of people to a mere one or two security guards.
8 Milan Central Station - Ghostown
Milan was one of the first cities to encounter the virus, and have numbers skyrocket in such a short amount of time. Considering the entire city of Milan is on lockdown, their train stations are completely barren including Milan Central Station, which went from seeing thousands of travelers a day to nobody.
7 Venice Canals - No Gondola Rides Anymore
In addition to areas such as Milan and Rome, Venice is also suffering from the Italian lockdown. The "floating city" once known for its romantic gondola rides are no more. The canals are practically empty, and all you can expect to find are covered boats, empty streets, and only a few people roaming around.
Related: 20 Devastating Photos Of A Flooded Venice
6 Piazza Duomo, Milan - Not A Soul In Sight
One of Milan's most famous attraction, Piazza Duomo, has been completely empty since the lockdown began days ago. Despite it being their most visited site, the public is taking measures seriously and avoiding public places as much as possible, which include tourist attractions such as the well-known Duomo.
Related: Why Rome Is Italy's Eternal City
5 Torino Porta Susa, Turin - Train Station Lockdown
Turin, Italy is also finding itself in a predicament. The major train stations throughout the city have also completely closed down, and are seeing no travelers. While many of us might make light of this situation, the lockdown in China and Italy should serve as an example of how legitimate this issue truly is.
4 Galleria Vittorio II, Milan - Save The Shopping For Later
Milan is regarded as one of the fashion capitals of the world, meaning their shopping malls are not to be toyed with. According to Tours Italy, the oldest shopping mall in the world, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, which is home to some of the most luxe stores, is also closed, and seeing next to nobody!
Related: 10 Amazing Things To Do In Milan (When The Coast Is Clear)
3 San Siro Stadium, Milan - Empty As Can Be
If you have been paying attention to the news, you will see that countless sporting events and seasons have been canceled or postponed. While this has only been a recent development in North America, European sporting events had been operating without any spectators, making San Sira Stadium quite empty during the AC Milan versus Genoa game.
2 Venice, Italy - Deserted Streets
The Coronavirus Covid-19 has been taking a toll on the economy and truly affecting local businesses, restaurants and general day to day life for most people across the world. Tourism has definitely taken a massive hit, causing restaurants across the city of Venice to be completely empty without a single soul in sight.
1 Florence, Italy - Abandoned Land
Much like the cities of Milan, Venice, and Turin, Florence is also being hit hard by the lockdown. While the Firenze Duomo is often surrounded by thousands of tourists, the streets are empty with only a few people in sight. While certain attractions are still open to the public, the Daily Mail is reporting that very few people are risking the chance and visiting them.
Next: A Travel Guide To Italy: 10 Things To Know When Planning Your Trip