In the Italian Unesco-listed town of Pienza, its famous Renaissance clock will no longer chime between midnight and 7:00 am after the city received a series of complaints from visitors that the bells were keeping them awake. The Renaissance clock tower use to chime every 30 minutes.
“We have received protests from some B&B managers,” said Mayor Manolo Garosi. “Mainly from those located around the Square and therefore closer to the historic clock. They have in turn received complaints from customers, especially those who have come from overseas struggling with the time zone change.”
The motivation to reduce the frequency of the tolling had other motivations motivations as well. “There are savings in electricity,” said Garosi. “In many towns that have bells in the historic center the same thing has been done.” The decision that has satisfied the needs of some operators and tourists has however generated disappointment among many citizens. Some claim that the lack of regular tolling in the middle of the night is now causing them insomnia.
We have received protests from some B&B managers. They have in turn received complaints from customers.
Manolo Garosi, Mayor of Pienza
Citizens blame city officials for having decided everything among a few members of the majority, without any consultation. According to The Independent, mayor Garosi has defended his decision saying: “We are not the only ones to do this. Other towns that have bell towers have done just the same thing.”
Italy cracks down on overtourism
In May 2023, the tranquil fishing village of Portofino introduced no-waiting zones to dissuade tourists from ‘lingering’ in popular areas to take pictures, as reported by the BBC. The main goal is to combat over tourism and make traffic flow more smoothly. Portofino, a small Italian village of 400 inhabitants about 30 kilometers from Genoa, sees hundreds of tourists flocking to the area every year. The large influx has pushed the local elected officials to take some actions.
The measure “is not for the tourist who arrives alone, but for those who get off the cruise ships with guides,” justified the city’s mayor, Matteo Viacava. The decree is expected to be in force at least until October 15, 2023. It is therefore forbidden to stop walking in the “red zones” between 10:30 am and 6:00 pm. Visitors who stop to take selfies risk a fine of between 68 and 275 euros, although the measure is primarily intended to raise awareness among tourists rather than punish them.
In southern Italy, the mayor of Sorrento had issued a decree in 2022 prohibiting tourists from walking around shirtless once they left the beach. “This indecent behavior can cause discomfort and unease among the resident population and visitors. This can give a negative image of the quality of life of Sorrento, with significant repercussions on its reputation and tourism,” justified Massimo Coppola. Tourists who did not respect this rule were fined by the police and had to pay a penalty ranging from 25 to 500 euros.
