German Tourists Fined Hugely for Writing Names on Ponte Vecchio Bridge in Italy

Two German tourists who wrote their names on the historic Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence, Italy, face fines of up to 40,000 euros (approximately 1.5 million TL).

Two tourists were caught by police on Monday while writing their names with a black felt-tip pen on the bridge, which is one of the city’s symbols and famous for not being damaged even during World War II.

German citizens, aged 21 and 23, were taken to the police station and legal proceedings were initiated against them.

The Florence Municipality announced that two tourists caught “red-handed” face “fines of up to 40,000 euros under the law to prevent damage to cultural heritage.”

The Italian government had prepared a law that foresaw high administrative fines, especially after climate activists’ painted and glued protests in many historical places.

The law, which came into force in January, foresees administrative fines of between 20,000 and 60,000 euros for those who cause serious damage to structures of historical and cultural importance.

For less severe damage, the fine varies between 10,000 and 40,000 euros.

The Municipality of Florence is also in favor of a deterrent penalty in order to send a message of respect to the city.

“Everyone who comes to Florence must respect the city’s monuments and the Florentines,” said Andrea Giorgio, the municipality’s security officer, adding that a fine would be imposed that would set a precedent in this case.

The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), dating back to 1345, is currently undergoing restoration work worth 2 million euros.

Last year, a group of German tourists drew graffiti on the Vassari Corridor, and climate activists splashed paint on the Palazzo Vecchio, which doubles as the City Hall.