Disoriented tourists, exasperated residents. As of today, the elevators leading to the Castello neighborhood are running at reduced capacity, and the disruption hasn't been long in coming.
The measure, linked to high temperatures and destined to remain in force until further notice , concerns the facilities in Piazza Palazzo , Piazza Yenne (Santa Margherita steps) and the Bastione Saint Remy .
The scene repeats itself throughout the morning. Some people arrive at the doors, press the button, and wait in vain for the elevator to arrive. A Swiss family, arriving at the elevator on Viale Regina Elena, examines the buttons, looks up at the city map, trying to orient themselves. Then they ask, helplessly: "If this is closed, how do I get up?" Also because the notices are posted only at the lower entrances: those arriving from Castello, at the Piazza Palazzo entrance, or in the square in front of the Bastione, find no sign indicating the suspension of service.
The protesters are primarily residents. "We're increasingly isolated," complains Annamaria Bistrusso , a neighborhood resident. "For us, it means walking to the shops, walking the elderly, and tackling hills and stairs every day. Rather than closing the elevators, we need maintenance that can keep them working even in the summer."
The municipality explains that the restrictions were introduced to prevent breakdowns caused by high temperatures in the plant's technical rooms.
This reason, however, does not quell the controversy: in the height of the tourist season, Castello risks becoming even more difficult to reach, both for those who visit it and for those who live there every day.
