Damaged an Italian monument? Prepare to fork out up to 60,000 euros

The country’s right-wing government is taking a stiff stance against cultural (and eco) vandalism

The Italian government is preparing a law to make it possible to impose heavy fines on offenders caught defacing or damaging any of the numerous protected monuments in the country. And when we say heavy, that means five-figure numbers.

The proposal was tabled by Italy’s culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano in response to increasingly occurring incidents linked to badly behaving tourists and graffiti aficionados. The measure also eyes eco-activists doing eye-catching and shocking things to heritage objects as a way of garnering attention to their causes.

Look but don’t touch?

Since Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has a majority in the Parliament, the proposed bill is expected to pass comfortably, which means that people will have to get a lot more careful and respectful around Italian heritage sites.

The proposed sanctions for damage and defacement of monuments will start at 10,000 euros and reach up to eye-watering 60,000 euros.

Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said that it recently cost the government 40,000 euros to clean the façade of the 15th-century Palazzo Madama, which is home to the Italian Senate after it was vandalised.

Just days ago, activists pressing for more action on climate change dumped black dye into the waters of a monumental fountain sculpted by Bernini at the foot of the Spanish Steps. The same fountain had been disrespected by tourists leaving empty beer bottles floating in it.

The attacks on monuments and artistic sites produce economic damage to all," the minister said in a statement. “To clean it up, the intervention of highly specialised personnel and the use of very costly machines are needed. Whoever carries out these acts must assume also the financial responsibility.”