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Protests in Bologna and Susa Valley: What Travelers Should Know

In short
Protests in Bologna on July 20 and near Turin's Susa Valley in late July were short lived and are now over, though police presence is higher in both areas. If you are visiting either place, avoid construction sites and any spontaneous gatherings, and check local transport before heading out. Elsewhere in Italy, including Rome, Florence, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast, travel is unaffected.
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Bologna: What Happened and What It Means for Visitors

On July 20, a protest over the death of a 42-year-old Moroccan man during a police stop turned violent. Sixty-four police officers were injured and there was significant damage, according to ANSA. Bologna's prosecutor's office opened an investigation afterward.

For travelers, this was a single event and the city has been calm since. You may notice a stronger police presence near Piazza Maggiore and the university district. Bologna's historic center, food markets, and sights such as the Due Torri remain open as usual. If you come across a demonstration, just walk another way, and check local news before going out at night.

TAV Protests in the Susa Valley

Protests turned violent on July 25 at construction sites for the Turin-Lyon high-speed rail line in the Susa Valley, west of Turin, causing roughly one million euros in damage, according to ANSA. Arrests followed.

The valley is popular for hiking and for towns such as Susa and Bardonecchia. Expect roadblocks or checkpoints near the work sites, though the protests are not aimed at tourists. Turin itself is unaffected, but trains on the Turin-Bardonecchia line may run late, so check Trenitalia before you travel.

Practical Advice

Localized protests happen in Italy from time to time and rarely involve tourists. If you are near Bologna or the Susa Valley this summer, skip large gatherings, follow local news, and build extra time into transport connections. Everywhere else in Italy, from the canals of Venice to the Tuscan countryside, travel is unaffected by these events.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Bologna safe to visit after the July 20 unrest?
Yes. The unrest was a single event and the city has been calm since, with a stronger police presence in central areas. Sights, markets, and transport are operating normally.
Do the TAV protests affect a trip to the Susa Valley?
Mainly near the construction sites, where you may find roadblocks. Hiking trails and towns away from the works, and Turin itself, are unaffected.

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All prices and times on this page are ESTIMATES and change often. They are a starting point from an independent editor, never official or guaranteed figures. Always check the final price and the opening hours with the official venue or operator before you book or travel.

Rules, timetables, fares and passenger rights change, and this page is a summary, not an official source or legal advice. Check the official operator or authority before you book or travel, and treat anything critical to your trip as something to confirm, not to assume. Last reviewed: 2026-07-30.

Produced with AI assistance and editorial review.