A 28-year-old foreign woman has been charged in Florence after climbing onto the historic "Biancone" fountain in Piazza della Signoria, causing significant damage.
The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, when the young woman entered the famous fountain, the work of sculptor Bartolomeo Ammannati, overcoming protective barriers. To avoid the water, she climbed onto the decorative elements of the monument, using the structure as support.
According to her testimony to the Municipal Police, the act was part of a pre-marital challenge. However, she was immediately spotted by agents, who intervened and removed her from the fountain.
After an inspection by specialists from the Fabbrica di Palazzo Vecchio, minor but significant damage was found to several parts of the monument, including decorative elements on which it was supported. The value of the damage is estimated at around 5 thousand euros.
Authorities have initiated criminal proceedings against her for damage to an artistic-architectural asset, once again drawing attention to the need to respect and protect cultural heritage.
