Outrage in Italy as Tourist Mimics Lewd Act on Statue of Bacchus in Florence
A female tourist visiting Florence has sparked outrage after photos surfaced online showing her miming a lewd act on a statue of the Roman god Bacchus. The photos, shared by the social media account Welcome To Florence, also captured the woman kissing the life-size statue at nighttime.
The Bacchus statue, a modern replica of a 16th-century work by sculptor Giambologna, stands on a plinth on a street corner near the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge. The original statue is housed in the nearby Bargello museum.
The photos quickly drew angry reactions from social media users, with some calling for the woman’s arrest. “This is the result of years of attempts at turning Florence into Disneyland,” one user commented.
Patrizia Asproni, the president of Confcultura, an association that promotes Italy’s cultural heritage, expressed her dismay at the incident. She stated that such acts of rudeness and barbarity occur because individuals feel entitled to behave as they please without consequences. Asproni called for stricter measures, suggesting the implementation of the “Singapore model” with tight checks, high fines, and zero tolerance for bad behavior.
Antonella Rinaldi, Florence’s archeology and fine arts superintendent, emphasized the importance of respecting artworks, whether originals or replicas. She condemned the woman’s actions, noting that tourists must show respect when visiting cultural sites.
Florence, a popular tourist destination, attracts millions of visitors each year. The city’s narrow streets often become crowded with tourists, leading to challenges for local residents. The phenomenon of “overtourism” has prompted cities worldwide to reconsider their approach to tourism management.
In response to the growing issue, some cities have taken steps to limit tourist numbers and preserve their cultural heritage. Barcelona’s mayor recently announced plans to eliminate short-term tourist rentals within five years, while other destinations have introduced daily charges to control visitor numbers.
The incident in Florence serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting cultural sites and the need for responsible tourism practices to ensure the preservation of historic landmarks for future generations.
