Florence's Duomo introduces social distancing necklaces for visitors
Florence's Duomo has introduced gadgets worn around the neck that will allow people to visit the celebrated cathedral while respecting safe distances.
Italy's most frequented cultural sites are anxious to reopen and recoup lost tourism euros during Italy's two-month lockdown, while assuring visitors it is safe to do so.
READ ALSO: Who is allowed to travel to Italy from June 3rd?
With its bell tower begun by Giotto and its Brunelleschi dome, the Duomo is one of the Tuscan city's top tourist attractions.
The Duomo said in a statement that the device will be handed out for free at the beginning of each visit. When two people approach within a range of 2 metres, the device will beep softly, vibrate and flash.
The devices will be disinfected after each use.
"First in the world to use it in the museum context, this system guarantees the maximum of security and comfort during the visit," said the cathedral, whose official name is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
Timothy Verdon, director of the Duomo Museum, said that the cathedral, the adjacent Baptistery and the museum planned to open its doors to Florentines and the city's visitors "in the upcoming days". He did not specify a date.
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"Visits to the monuments and museum will be with a reduced number of people. During this initial period, visits will be free. It's a gesture, to welcome people once again," Verdon said.
Italy's government has decreed that its borders will be opened to European Union tourists from June 3rd.
The measure is intended to help the tourism sector, a major part of Italy's economy, whose museums, hotels and other establishments have been shuttered since early March due to the coronavirus.
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Italy's most frequented cultural sites are anxious to reopen and recoup lost tourism euros during Italy's two-month lockdown, while assuring visitors it is safe to do so.
READ ALSO: Who is allowed to travel to Italy from June 3rd?
With its bell tower begun by Giotto and its Brunelleschi dome, the Duomo is one of the Tuscan city's top tourist attractions.
The Duomo said in a statement that the device will be handed out for free at the beginning of each visit. When two people approach within a range of 2 metres, the device will beep softly, vibrate and flash.
The devices will be disinfected after each use.
"First in the world to use it in the museum context, this system guarantees the maximum of security and comfort during the visit," said the cathedral, whose official name is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
Timothy Verdon, director of the Duomo Museum, said that the cathedral, the adjacent Baptistery and the museum planned to open its doors to Florentines and the city's visitors "in the upcoming days". He did not specify a date.
READ ALSO:
- What will Italy reopen next under new lockdown rules?
- IN PHOTOS: What 'living with the coronavirus' looks like around Italy
- Why the Italian government might give you up to €500 to go on holiday in Italy
"Visits to the monuments and museum will be with a reduced number of people. During this initial period, visits will be free. It's a gesture, to welcome people once again," Verdon said.
Italy's government has decreed that its borders will be opened to European Union tourists from June 3rd.
The measure is intended to help the tourism sector, a major part of Italy's economy, whose museums, hotels and other establishments have been shuttered since early March due to the coronavirus.
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