Italy once again faced “indecent” behavior of tourists, which resulted in a high-profile cultural affair. This time, the object of the anger of residents was a traveler who was caught staging an impromptu photo shoot in the nude right on the steps of the legendary Cathedral of St. Andrew the First-Called in Amalfi.
“From driving a car up the Spanish Steps in Rome to surfing the Grand Canal in Venice and smashing sculptures in the Vatican. Some tourists this summer treated Italy as if it were their theme park,” CNN reported.
As the publication reported, not only the girl but also her two companions, who helped in the photo shoot on the coast of the Italian city of Amalfi, will be charged with “indecent acts” on the charge of encroachment and desecration of the country’s cultural and historical heritage.
At around 7:30 a.m. on Monday, stunned locals caught a woman on camera posing in front of the cathedral’s doors, which date back to 1067 in what was then Constantinople, and under a mosaic depicting St. Andrew, whose relics are believed to be inside.
The shooting location was particularly painful for members of the community, complained art critic and writer Laura Thayer, who lives in Amalfi. “The fact that it happened in a church made this episode shocking. The Duomo is a place of worship and a place very close to the hearts of Amalfitano. This specific background affects the historical memory of residents. The bronze doors are reminiscent of the days of the Amalfi Republic. These doors open for processions, weddings, and funerals – moments that create life. Yes, it’s beautiful, but Amalfi is much more than a beautiful background for a photo on social networks,” she wailed in a conversation with the publication.
In a video from the scene, published on social networks, one resident and the author of the clip could be heard calling the tourists “crazy.” “Naked in the church,” she stated in disbelief.
The cathedral, which dates back to the 9th century, is dedicated to the Apostle Andrew the First-Called, and his relics are said to have been kept there since 1206. It was built during Amalfi’s heyday as a maritime superpower, rivaling Genoa, Venice, and Pisa. Today, its narrow streets are crowded with tourists.
Local website Positano News, which published the video, said the trio, who did not obtain permission to film, were caught by police before leaving town. He added that their equipment did not appear to be even professional.
Another local site, Amalfi Notizie, which posted the video on social media, reported that the tourist, who arrived at the church fully clothed and went up the stairs to undress, told police that they were just taking pictures to keep memories of their trip to the Amalfi Coast, not for advertising.
A representative of the local Amalfi police told CNN that the trio turned out to be British: a male photographer, a model, and an assistant. Now they are all charged with “indecent acts in a public place.”
Earlier in September, two female tourists also violated all etiquette and ignored the value of Italian architecture: they were caught taking a midnight dip in the Sant’Andrea fountain in Amalfi. The baroque fountain, created in the 18th century, is one of the sights of the city, crowned by the statue of St. Andrew.
According to Thayer, Amalfi has been “busier than ever” this year, and with unseasonably warm weather taking its time to leave the region, the tourist crowds continue to arrive. “Episodes like this are a good reminder to respect the places we visit and the people who live there,” she added.