Naples. We are shocked! We learned that a single councilor has proposed introducing a €5 entrance fee to access Via San Gregorio Armeno in the City Council, to safeguard the fragile historic center from overtourism and the resulting negative effects. Vincenzo Capuano, president of the workshops' association, says so.
And then he explains: The Botteghe di San Gregorio Armeno, in keeping with the ancient Christmas tradition, cannot support an approach that would destroy the authentically popular and democratic value of the "strolls," which in the period leading up to Christmas enliven "our" street with the presence of families and children from all over the world, lovers of the nativity scene and its profound symbolic value of peace and brotherhood.
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Of course we are the first defenders of the Old Town and we care about its protection, but other safeguards must be implemented, we believe, such as one-way streets, a greater presence of the police, greater use of side streets to regulate access and a small health facility: but all this is in progress and is about to be launched.
We therefore wish everyone the opportunity to visit San Gregorio Armeno with the usual joy and freedom. We emphasize our full cooperation with the municipal administration, which is supporting us greatly during this period, especially in the development of the San Gregorio Armeno school.
Comments (1)
I don't agree with the idea of putting an entrance fee to Via San Gregorio Armeno. It's a tradition and you can't limit the freedom of people who want to visit. There are other solutions that could work better.