1.5 Million TL Fine For Tourists Who Wrote Their Names On The Bridge

Two German tourists who wrote their names on the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge in the Italian tourist city of Florence face a fine of up to 40,000 euros.

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 popular for not being damaged even during World War II. as per the news by Ovgu Pinar from BBC Turkish The German citizens aged 21 and 23 were taken to the police station and legal proceedings were initiated against them. The Municipality of Florence declared that the two tourists caught red-handed faced "a fine of up to 40 thousand Euros under the law to prevent damage to cultural heritage".

The law came into effect in January.

The government of Italy has preferred a law that foresaw high administrative fines, especially after climate activists painted and glued protests in many historical places. The law that came into force in January foresees administrative fines of 20,000 to 60,000 euros for those who cause severe 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 also favours a deterrent penalty to send a message of respect to the city.

Restoration Continues

"Everyone who comes to Florence must respect the city's monuments and the Florentines," said Andrea Giorgia, the municipality security officer, adding that a fine would be imposed to set a precedent in this case. The Ponte Vecchio, dating back to 1345, is currently undergoing restoration and is valued at 2 million euros. Last year, German visitors and tourists drew graffiti on the Vasari Corridor, and climate activists splashed paint in the Palazzo Vecchio that doubles as the City Hall.

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