Sirmione’s Colombare Pedestrian Trial Boosts Local Life and Tourism
The experiment of closing the central stretch of via Colombare to pedestrian traffic for one evening was an extraordinary success. From 8 p.m. until late at night, thousands of tourists enjoyed an evening free of noise and exhaust fumes. But there is another point to highlight and consider for the future. The residents of Sirmione, those living in Colombare, were able, even if only for one night, to take ownership of their neighborhood. They could exchange a few words and share a glass of wine, mingling with the families of tourists who flock to the holiday resort. Because Colombare, with its hotels, restaurants, ice cream parlors, boutiques, and shops, has nothing to envy in terms of accommodations and service industry offerings compared to the more renowned Sirmione, beyond the castle.
Return to Normalcy and Future Perspectives
After decades, families living in the neighborhood were seen walking peacefully in piazza Mercato, via Colombare, or piazza Campiello. The gelato shops, pizzerias, and some remaining open stores capitalized on the occasion. Mayor Maurizio Ferrari expressed satisfaction; although he did not explicitly commit to pedestrianizing via Colombare in the future, he hinted that the experiment on Friday evening would not be forgotten.
In fact, a system will be studied to improve the quality of life in Colombare. Alongside Ferrari, we also noticed Assessors Signori and Cristini.
Initially, the Colombare merchants were the first to believe in this initiative. Some of them, led by Guido Bussi, began developing a program, then knocked on the City Hall, which gladly offered support.
The merchants’ commitment was total; it was an experience that, as was said, would be repeated and would serve as a basis for dialogue with administrators and hoteliers, so that via Colombare could be closed to traffic from 8 p.m. to midnight, perhaps on weekends and during events and shows.
As happens in many seaside locations—from Jesolo to Bibione, from Milano Marittima to Forte dei Marmi—there is recognition of the need to work hard. The promoters of Friday’s initiative know that offering a few shows or antique markets is not enough.
A new awareness among merchants and hoteliers must be fostered so they can follow the same path together.
The other evening, the most popular attractions were motorcycles, vintage cars, and Ferraris, organized by the local “Rosse” club from Maranello. Dozens of artisan stalls filled piazza del Mercato.
At the hotels “Florida” and “Caciosalume,” refreshments were served. Lastly, some clowns accompanied by musicians entertained the evening in Colombare with jokes and musical pieces—an unforgettable night.
Starting today, Colombare has reverted to two-way traffic after a brief period of one-way, which was introduced in the direction of Sirmione to improve traffic flow.
This is a return to the previous arrangement, driven by the need to address traffic issues. Next year, via Colombare will return to one-way traffic and, undoubtedly, will also see occasional pedestrianizations.
