British tourist faces heavy fines for vandalizing Pompeii frescoes

A tourist from the United Kingdom decided to carve his initials in the Italian city of Pompeii. He was caught in the act and will now face the consequences.

Italian police accused the British tourist on Wednesday, 7 August, of cultural heritage destruction after the man carved his initials and the initials of his two daughters into the frescoes on the wall of the House of the Vestals in the archaeological park of Pompeii in southern Italy.

The British tourist tried to explain his behaviour. The site's security staff called the carabinieri, who detained the man. He told them he wanted to "leave a mark" after visiting the ruins of the ancient city.

Local portal Napoli Today reported that the 37-year-old man, in addition to the three initials, also carved the date "07/08/24" and the inscription "MYLAW" with a sharp tool.

The vandal was detained and documented. He was charged with causing damage to artistic heritage. According to the portal Wanted in Rome, earlier this year the Italian parliament approved new, strict fines of up to approximately £50,000 for those who damage monuments and cultural heritage sites in the country.

Ultimately, the tourist showed remorse and apologised for his behaviour. Italian authorities announced that he would have to pay for the restoration work on the wall. It is not yet known how much the repairs will cost.

The preserved city in today's Campania, southeast of Naples, at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, is one of the most important evidence of Roman civilisation. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Italy's most popular tourist destinations, attracting over 2.5 million visitors worldwide each year.

Source: PAP/Wanted in Rome/Napoli Today