The Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL) is one of Florence’s most discussed urban rules. Designed to protect the historic center from too many cars, it’s both a blessing for pedestrians and a nightmare for distracted drivers.
But even before worrying about the fine, you might get lost in translation.
Take a look at this sign. In Italian, it declares “ZTL ATTIVA” – literally, the zone is active. It sounds positive, something up and running, like an event you don’t want to miss.
Just below, the English version is far less inviting: “ZTL CLOSED” – closed, off-limits, stay away.
Both phrases actually mean the same thing: entry is restricted to authorized vehicles only. The funny part? One sounds open, the other closed. One positive, the other negative. A linguistic paradox that risks confusing drivers who don’t know the rules.
And the truth is even more nuanced. Even when the ZTL is “active” or “closed”, it isn’t really closed to everyone. Residents, people going to work, delivery drivers, and anyone with the right pass can still enter. Their wheels keep rolling while everyone else risks a fine just for crossing the invisible border.
So here’s the bottom line: if you don’t have a special pass, treat “ZTL ATTIVA” and “ZTL CLOSED” as one and the same — a big “don’t enter”. Better to park outside and enjoy the city on foot. It’s cheaper, safer, and you won’t need a dictionary to figure it out
Eirini Lavrentiadou is an actress and singer, born in Thessaloniki in 1992. She lives in Florence, where she trained at the city’s Theatre Academy and the Fiesole School of Music. She has performed in classical Greek and European plays, worked with international directors and companies, and appeared in concerts ranging from opera to jazz. She contributes to Florence Daily News as a writer.
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