Italy Plans to Charge Tourists who Damage Monuments

Italy Plans to Charge Tourists who Damage Monuments. This was stated by the Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, following today's Cabinet meeting, which approved the bill he proposed titled "Sanctioning Provisions for the Destruction, Dispersal, Deterioration, Defacement, Smearing, and Illicit Use of Cultural or Landscape Assets".

Attacks on monuments and artistic sites produce economic damage to the community. Specialized personnel and expensive machinery are required for cleaning and restoration. Those who carry out these acts must take responsibility, including financial responsibility. According to data provided by the Special Superintendency of Rome, the restoration of the facade of the Senate cost 40,000 euros. Therefore, those who cause damage must pay for it themselves. Depending on the severity of the offense, the penalty ranges from a minimum of 10,000 euros to a maximum of 60,000 euros. These fines are in addition to any criminal or civil penalties that may be imposed on the offenders. These are administrative penalties that can be immediately imposed by the prefect of the area where the offense is committed, based on reports from public officials.

Image : Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano