The reckless behavior of tourists continues to excite Italian society. Despite numerous warnings, hefty fines, and “world treasure” information boards, some foreign travelers still ignore cultural property.
Last week, on the night of Saturday to Sunday, a young man from Germany climbed the famous Neptune Fountain in Piazza della Signoria in Florence to take a selfie. As a result of his reckless act, a piece of marble broke off from Neptune’s chariot, and the hoof of one of the horses was also damaged.
Local police detained the young man hours later after tracking his location with street cameras. The damage is estimated to be around 5,000 euros. In addition, the tourist faces a large fine.
The Neptune Fountain was commissioned in 1559 by the Duke of Florence, Cosimo I de’ Medici, in honor of the marriage of his son Francesco de’ Medici I to Joanna of Austria. The figure of Neptune, 4.2 meters high, and made of Apuan marble, resembled the face of the Grand Duke Cosimo. The fountain was commissioned in 1565.