A tourist in Florence has been charged after climbing the city’s famous Fountain of Neptune during what officials described as a pre-wedding dare. The incident took place in Piazza della Signoria, one of Florence’s best-known public squares, and caused damage estimated at around 5,000, which is approximately Rs 5 lakh in Indian rupees, per NDTV report.
What happened
According to reports, the city authorities said that the woman, aged 28, climbed over the protective barrier surrounding the centuries-old monument on April 18. Municipal police noticed her actions and stepped in quickly, removing her from the fountain before more damage could be caused.
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Officials said the tourist later explained that her friends had dared her to touch the statue’s private parts as part of a pre-wedding prank. To avoid stepping into the water, she reportedly climbed directly onto the marble horses located at the base of the fountain.
Damage found during inspection
As per the reports, after the incident, experts from the Fabbrica di Palazzo Vecchio, the body responsible for maintaining the monument, inspected the site. They found what authorities described as “minor but significant damage” to the horses’ legs and a decorative frieze that the tourist had held onto to avoid slipping.
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The woman has now been reported to judicial authorities for damaging a protected artistic and architectural heritage site. Officials also noted that she is presumed innocent until a final legal decision is reached.
About the fountain of Neptune
The Fountain of Neptune is one of Florence’s most recognised landmarks. It was created in the 16th Century by sculptor Bartolomeo Ammannati and commissioned in 1559 by Cosimo I de’ Medici to mark a royal marriage. Today, it remains a major attraction for visitors from around the world.
This is not the first time the monument has been damaged. Authorities installed surveillance cameras in 2005 after another visitor climbed the statue and broke Neptune’s hand. In 2023, a tourist also caused damage while attempting to take a selfie on the fountain. Florence officials say such incidents involving historic monuments are becoming increasingly common.
