A tourist in Florence has allegedly damaged a 16th-century fountain as part of a bizarre "pre-wedding challenge" to touch a statue's private parts. The incident occurred at the historic Fountain of Neptune, also known as the "Biancone," located in the Piazza della Signoria.
Details of the Incident
The city of Florence confirmed that a 28-year-old female visitor climbed the fountain on Saturday, 18 April, after scaling the protective railing and the edge of the basin. To avoid contact with the water, she climbed directly onto one of the horse's legs at the center of the fountain. Local police officers immediately intervened and removed her from the fountain.
Motivation and Damage
According to authorities, the woman later told officers that she intended to "touch the statue's private parts as part of a sort of pre-wedding challenge." Following the incident, specialists from the Palazzo Vecchio Workshop conducted an inspection and discovered "minor but significant" damage to both the horses' hooves and a frieze. It is believed the woman clung to the frieze to prevent herself from slipping.
Legal Consequences
The tourist has been reported to the judicial authorities for defacing an artistic and architectural monument. The city of Florence emphasized in a statement that the woman is presumed innocent until a final judgment is reached by authorities.
History of Vandalism
This is not the first time the Fountain of Neptune has been damaged. Constructed between 1563 and 1565 to celebrate the opening of a new aqueduct, the fountain earned its nickname "Biancone" (meaning "great white") due to the brilliance of its marble. The statues depict the Roman sea god Neptune on a chariot drawn by four horses, surrounded by other figures.
According to the Museum of Florence, a protective railing had to be installed as early as 1592 because people used the water for washing. In 1830, one of the statues was stolen, and in 1848, the sculpture was damaged by cannon balls. Most notably, in 2005, a vandal climbed onto Neptune, broke off his hand, and chipped the pool below.
