A travel influencer sparked controversy after branding a popular city the ‘worst in Italy’ and claiming it was filthy. She was so unimpressed, she willingly lost money on her hotel booking so she could check out earlier
The travel enthusiast branded the popular Italian city “filthy” and even claimed it stinks (stock image)(Image: Alexander Spatari via Getty Images)
A travel influencer has labelled a city the “worst” in Italy, claiming she was so disappointed during her visit that she left early and deliberately lost out on money by cutting her stay short.
Yet her remarks have sparked controversy. This is likely because Italy remains an extraordinarily popular destination among holidaymakers and travel enthusiasts from all over the world.
Celebrated for its exceptional, world-class cuisine, elaborate architectural heritage, artworld masterpieces, prestigious fashion brands, rich historical tapestry and cultural significance, plus much more. Despite Italy’s abundant offerings, one woman has denounced one of its most popular cities, describing it as “filthy”.
Karo, who shares content online as @karosolotravel, turned to TikTok to voice her opinions about Bologna, a city celebrated for its extensive collection of UNESCO-designated medieval porticoes set among characterful red-roofed historic buildings.
It’s equally renowned and cherished for its indulgent pasta specialities, such as tortellini and tagliatelle al ragù, yet Karo remained underwhelmed.
Throughout the clips she recorded, she captured some graffiti daubed on metal waste bins and stone columns, along with a discarded cigarette end on the ground.
She additionally filmed a rough sleeper covered by a sleeping bag and blankets positioned outside a shop entrance. Karo also featured footage of multiple Bologna streets, which appeared deserted but otherwise pristine and devoid of any litter or vandalism.
During one segment, she directed the camera towards herself and filmed while she walked about with a tissue pressed against her nose, claiming the area smelt offensive. In the caption beneath her video, she wrote: “The worst Italian city I’ve ever been to. It smells of urine everywhere, it’s filthy, and you can tell it hasn’t been cleaned in years.
“Why aren’t the city authorities cleaning the streets and buildings? Those orange buildings are black. And that awful stench.”
Karo went on: “I came here to eat pasta bolognese, but I felt like vomiting and barely ate a thing! Why do people on TikTok recommend Bologna? It’s disgusting! I fled Bologna for Rimini, gave up on my hotel, and lost my money.”
However, other TikTok users were quick to dispute her assessment of the historic city. One commented: “I spent five days in Bologna last April. Walked everywhere including St Luca. TOTALLY DISAGREE. I LOVED BOLOGNA”.
Another said: “Bologna is beautiful!” while a third quipped: “Complaining that the 2000 year old buildings look like they are 2000 years old”.
A fourth person wrote: “One of the most beautiful cities I visited!!”
Meanwhile, someone claiming to be a resident shared: “Bologna became much much worse since it became a heavily touristy city. Mass tourism is destroying my city!”
Another user countered: “I respect your opinion but in my view, [it] does not represent the reality at all. I guess [you] didn’t match with the place. Bologna is an amazing city with unique character.
“I did not find it dirty at all and it was nice and tidy. In my view, I did find Bologna more authentic in comparison to other Italian cities.”