We are traveling in Italy for the next week or so, and have seen just a little bit of information about a strike occurring tomorrow, Tuesday 6 September, in the afternoon. We were planning a trip to Florence and have reservations to the Accademia tomorrow afternoon, but are afraid the buses will not be running and the museum might be closed. Has anyone else heard any more news? Should we be worried about violence at all with reports of striking workers planning parades through Florence? Unfortunately, our Italian is not very good so we are having trouble reading Italian news reports. Any information is greatly appreciated!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
I've poked around a little on the internet (I speak some Italian) and the best I can find is that this is a strike aimed at all public transit across the country. So, yes, your bus could well be affected. I couldn't find anything about the museums being closed. If you're staying at a hotel, perhaps you could ask them to find out for you. The odds of you getting caught up in violence are slim to none, especially if you use common sense. Good luck.
Posted by
Ballwin
833 posts
From what I've heard here (I'm living an hour away from Florence) it is a general strike with train, bus and plane strikes. I would plan on walking, as your bus may not be running. I know that in Tuscany, certain trains are required to run whether there is a strike or not, but I do not know about buses. I do not know what strikes are like in Florence. I would try to avoid being in the area of them, but do not know if they often get violent. That is another thing you may be able to ask your hotelthey should be able to tell you more about what is going on, and translate some info from the newspapers if you wish (if their English is good enough).
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32795 posts
Do you mean a bus into Florence? Could be a problem. Or do you mean a bus around Florence to the Accademia? If so, Florence is quite compact and although you wou would rather take a bus it is not difficult to get around on feet.
Posted by
OP
Portland, OR, USA
3 posts
Thank you for the advice! We are staying just outside of Florence and had been taking the bus into the city center, but today we will drive and park as close as we can and walk in. There are more reports online in English now, and it seems like we will be safe.
Posted by
OP
Portland, OR, USA
3 posts
Just a little ... both the Accademia and the Uffizi were closed today. We did see one or two buses running after the 4:00 pm strike time, but chose to drive to Piazzale Michelangelo and then walk into Florence. In the morning, there was a demonstration march through the city that was very organized. Hopefully we can still get to the Accademia before we have to leave on Saturday! Thanks for all the advice.
Posted by
Ballwin
833 posts
Hope you get to visit the museums before you leave! Glad you didn't hit any real problems today.