Before and after: Italy's tourist attractions left deserted amid coronavirus lockdown

As the coronavirus crisis continues to evolve, tourism hotspots across Italy are left empty

Before and after the coronavirus at Milan, Italy's Duomo di Milano. Getty Images 

As the Covid-19 virus continues to spread globally, Italy remains Europe's worst-hit country, with more than 10,000 confirmed cases, although 1,004 people have since recovered.

As the country is placed in lockdown, some of its busiest landmarks have been notably quiet, with restrictions meaning people can no longer move freely as travel is now allowed only for essential work, health reasons or other emergencies.

Colosseum, Rome

The oval amphitheatre is located in the centre of the Italian capital. With an average of 4 million visitors annually, it is the 39th most visited tourist attraction in the world. Rome's most popular tourist destination is the Vatican Museums, which typically welcomes 4.2 million visitors.

Tower of Pisa, Pisa 

The Tower of Pisa, or Leaning Tower of Pisa, is a tourist favourite, with people flocking to get a photo of themselves propping up the 847-year-old bell tower.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan

Milan is located in Lombardy, Italy's worst-hit region, which has been on lockdown since Sunday, March 8. The country's fashion capital is home to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II parade of boutiques.

Duomo di Milano, Milan 

Also in Milan is the famous Duomo di Milano cathedral in the Piazza del Duomo square, which the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is also located near.

The square typically sees thousands of tourists flood in and out to photograph the Gothic building.

Trevi Fountain, Rome

Rome's Trevi Fountain is famous for guests lining its stone structure to throw a coin over their left shoulder for luck. An estimated $1.5 million (Dh5.5m) was thrown into the fountain in 2016, and the money was donated to Caritas, a catholic charity that supports people living in poverty in Italy and around the world.

Spanish Steps, Rome

A total of 174 steps make up Rome's Spanish Steps, the widest staircase in Europe. As of August 2019, it is forbidden to sit down on the steps, and those who do so face a fine of up to €400 (Dh1,664).

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