Tourist's Lewd Act on Bacchus Statue Sparks Outrage in Florence

A female tourist in Florence has sparked outrage after photos of her mimicking a lewd act on a statue of the Roman god Bacchus were shared online.

The photos, published by the social media account Welcome To Florence, show the woman kissing the life-size statue, which stands on a plinth near the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge. The statue is a modern replica of a 16th Century work by sculptor Giambologna, the original of which is housed in the nearby Bargello museum.

Social media users reacted with anger and calls for the woman’s arrest. One user commented that the incident was "the result of years of attempts at turning Florence into Disneyland."

Patrizia Asproni, president of Confcultura, an association promoting Italy’s cultural heritage, condemned these "repeated shows of rudeness and barbarity." She believes the incidents happen because tourists feel entitled to behave with impunity. Ms. Asproni called for the adoption of a "Singapore model" with strict checks, high fines, and zero tolerance for bad behavior.

Antonella Rinaldi, Florence's archaeology and fine arts superintendent, echoed this sentiment. While welcoming tourists, she emphasized the need to respect the city’s artworks, regardless of whether they are originals or replicas. She added, "Although I doubt this lady - whom I condemn - even knows the difference."

The incident highlights the ongoing tension in Florence between the influx of tourists and the preservation of its cultural heritage. Florence, one of the world's foremost tourist destinations, receives around 1.5 million visitors between June and September, exceeding the city's population of 382,000. This influx, especially during summer months, transforms Florence's narrow streets into congested pathways.

This so-called "overtourism" phenomenon is not unique to Florence. Cities around the world are grappling with the impacts of mass tourism. Last month, the mayor of Barcelona pledged to eliminate short-term tourist lets within five years. Meanwhile, other hotspots like Venice and Japan's Mount Fuji have introduced daily charges to limit the number of visitors.

The incident in Florence serves as a stark reminder of the need for responsible tourism and respect for cultural heritage sites. It underscores the importance of finding a balance between welcoming visitors and preserving the unique character of cities like Florence.