Coronavirus: Tourist attractions without visitors

Italy's tourist attractions are particularly affected by the coronavirus crisis. The whole country is under quarantine. Shops have shut, tourists have left the country. St. Peter's Square in Rome is closed, museums and sights are no longer open.

In the north of Italy, only large gatherings of pigeons dare take to the streets. Milan Cathedral rises lonely and deserted into the sky. In Italy there is a nationwide curfew. People are only allowed to leave their homes for work or to do their necessary shopping.

After Italy, Spain is the European country most affected by the coronavirus crisis. A curfew has been imposed here too. Accordingly, the Plaza Mayor, normally Madrid's pulsating center, is empty. The huge plaza is usually visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. There are more than 3,000 restaurants, bars, cafés and tabernas in the surrounding area.

Austria's citizens can also no longer move freely. Since Tuesday (March 18, 2020) all pubs and restaurants, among others, have shut. Vienna's landmark — St. Stephen's Cathedral — is closed to tourists, church services take place without worshippers and are broadcast via radio. Also, in front of the cathedral the otherwise so busy square is deserted.

Charles Bridge in Prague usually groans under the crowds. Now it's silent on this city landmark.The Czech Republic has declared a state of emergency because of the coronavirus crisis and has imposed an extensive ban on entering and leaving the country. All cross-border train and bus connections have also been suspended. The freedom of movement of the inhabitants has been severely restricted.

France's president says the country is engaged in a health war in its fight against the coronavirus. And the Minister of the Interior has turned everyone into "war allies" who now stay at home. Where normally thousands of people mingle — at the Eiffel Tower or The Louvre in Paris — hardly anyone can be seen these days.

Berlin is becoming increasingly empty, even though a curfew has not yet been imposed. Attractions like the Reichstag dome are closed. Theatres and museums have shut. Tourism has been put on hold throughout Germany. Hotels and other accommodation may now only be used for "necessary and expressly not for tourist purposes."

Even attractions without entrance fees are isolated and deserted. Only a few tourists are still on the streets, such as at the Brandenburg Gate. But even if you now have a completely uncrowded view of Berlin's landmark a visit isn't really fun.