Protests in Florence: Tensions and Clashes with Police in the City Centre

Tensions erupted in central Florence on Saturday, 24 October, 2026, as protesters clashed with police near Ponte Santa Trinita after attempting to enter Via Tornabuoni, one of the city’s main luxury shopping streets. Officers in riot gear blocked access to the area, leading to a prolonged standoff that continued into the evening.

The demonstration was part of a wider day of protests across Italy, which saw clashes with security forces in several major cities.

Protest march through Florence’s historic centre

The Florence demonstration began in Piazza Santa Maria Novella, near the city’s main railway station, where several hundred people gathered before setting off towards Piazza Santo Spirito, on the southern side of the River Arno.

The route had initially been agreed with police, although some participants reportedly wanted to march towards Piazza del Duomo instead.

The procession grew as it moved through the historic centre, eventually filling Piazza Santo Spirito before heading towards Ponte Santa Trinita, one of the bridges connecting the Oltrarno district with the city’s main shopping area.

Tensions increased when protesters attempted to cross the bridge and reach Via Tornabuoni.

Police officers in riot gear, supported by armoured vehicles, blocked the entrance to the street from Piazza Santa Trinita. Access to the nearby riverside road leading towards Ponte Vecchio was also restricted.

Several shops along Via Tornabuoni had already closed before the demonstrators reached the area.

Objects thrown at police during prolonged standoff

Protesters remained on Ponte Santa Trinita for more than an hour as police maintained their positions.

There were repeated moments of confrontation, with bottles, other objects and firecrackers thrown towards officers. Police responded with brief baton charges intended to push demonstrators back.

As the evening progressed, the number of demonstrators decreased considerably. Most participants eventually left the area, although several dozen remained near the police cordon.

Attempt to enter Santa Maria Novella station

A separate group of demonstrators moved towards Santa Maria Novella railway station while the main procession was heading towards Ponte Santa Trinita.

The group attempted to enter the station but was prevented from doing so by a police cordon.

After abandoning the attempt, protesters moved onto the nearby tram tracks, where police and Carabinieri officers were also present.

The incident affected an area used by both railway passengers and tram passengers travelling between the historic centre and other parts of Florence. The reports did not specify how long tram services were disrupted.

During security checks carried out in Florence, approximately ten people found wearing balaclavas were taken to police headquarters for identification. It is not whether any of those identified would face criminal charges.

Protests and clashes across Italy

The Florence demonstration took place amid heightened security measures in several Italian cities following violent incidents during protests the previous week.

Clashes were also reported in Rome, Bologna, Milan and Turin, while demonstrations in Naples, Padua and Bari were comparatively peaceful.

Police identified nearly 5,000 people across Italy during the day’s security operations. A total of 371 people were stopped, including 110 minors, and nine people were arrested.

Italian authorities were also investigating the activities of the recently formed October 17 Movement, known as M1710, which had promoted demonstrations through social media.

Police identified a 30-year-old man from the province of Brescia suspected of managing the movement’s Instagram account. He was placed under investigation on allegations of incitement to commit crimes, aggravated by alleged terrorist intent and the use of digital communications.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations have not been established in court.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi defended the security measures adopted during the demonstrations, emphasising the need to protect both the right to peaceful protest and public safety.

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