Travel Influencer Faces Severe Backlash Over Scathing Bologna Review
A travel content creator known as Karo, who operates the TikTok account @karosolotravel, has encountered significant online hostility after posting a highly critical video about her experience in Bologna, Italy. In the viral clip, which amassed over 400,000 views, Karo labelled Bologna as the "most disgusting city in Italy," citing pervasive odours of urine, apparent neglect of streets and buildings, and a general state of filth that she claimed had persisted for years.
Graphic Descriptions and Personal Disappointment
Karo did not hold back in her assessment, describing the iconic orange buildings as blackened and lamenting the lack of municipal cleaning efforts. Her disappointment extended to the culinary aspect of her trip; she had eagerly anticipated sampling authentic Bolognese pasta but reported feeling nauseous and eating very little. In her video caption, she expressed confusion over why TikTok users recommend Bologna, ultimately stating she fled to Rimini, abandoned her hotel booking, and incurred financial losses due to the abrupt change of plans.
Online Harassment and Death Threats
The backlash from viewers was intense and, in many cases, vicious. Karo revealed to Corriere Di Bologna that she received a barrage of nasty comments and direct messages containing coffin emojis, along with explicit death threats and demands that she refrain from returning to Italy. She described the experience as "terrible," highlighting the extreme reactions her candid opinion provoked. Despite this harassment, Karo maintains that she did not intend to offend anyone, merely sharing her personal observations of what she saw and heard during her visit.
Standing Firm and Hoping for Change
Remarkably, Karo stands by her decision to post the video, noting that many others have privately agreed with her views. She hopes her critique will spur tangible improvements in Bologna's cleanliness, especially as her visit coincided with the period just before local elections. Karo acknowledged Bologna's inherent beauty and historical richness but urged authorities not to leave the city in a neglected state. As a seasoned traveller who has visited 60 countries, she emphasised that she rarely posts negative content about destinations but felt compelled in this instance due to the disparity between her expectations—fueled by paying a tourist tax—and the reality of encountering what she deemed inadequate cleanliness around monuments and public spaces.
Contrasting Italian City Highlights
In a stark contrast, another major Italian city, Milan, recently garnered positive attention by being crowned the "top trending city" to visit in 2026 by TimeOut. Milan is renowned for hosting Milan Fashion Week and offers affordable options, such as bars like Spank where prices start from just €3 (£2.60), according to MisterGoodBeer. This juxtaposition underscores the varied perceptions and experiences travellers can have within Italy, from celebrated destinations to those facing criticism over maintenance and hygiene standards.
