August 8th 2024.
A British tourist recently made headlines for all the wrong reasons after defacing a famous site in Pompeii. The man, whose identity remains unknown, decided to leave his mark by carving his and his children's initials into the ancient wall of the Domus of the Vestals, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately for him, his actions did not go unnoticed and he was caught in the act.
According to reports, the 37-year-old tourist had even inscribed the date before being caught and reported to the Public Prosecutor's Office at the Court of Torre Annunziata for damaging the artistic heritage. The incident was first brought to light by Secolo d'Italia, a local news outlet. Upon being caught, the man apologized and claimed that he simply wanted to leave a sign of his visit.
However, his actions have not gone unpunished. Under new regulations in Italy, the tourist will not only have to pay for the restoration of the historical site but also face a fine for his vandalism. This incident comes just a few months after another tourist was caught carving their name into the ruins of Pompeii, leaving the initials "MYLAW" and the date August 8, 2024.
Pompeii, a preserved city located in the southeast of Naples at the base of Mount Vesuvius, is one of the most significant proofs of Roman civilization. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors every year. However, this recent incident has left the park director, Gabriel Zuchtriegel, appalled, describing it as an "uncivilized" act. He went on to praise the new law supported by Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano, which holds vandals accountable for the restoration costs of any damage they cause.
Zuchtriegel also commended the swift response of the Ales company and the police, who worked together to catch the offender. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in preserving the historical site for future generations. This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder to all visitors to respect the cultural and artistic heritage of Pompeii and refrain from any destructive behavior.
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