A British tourist is now facing a hefty fine after defacing one of Pompeii’s most iconic ancient sites.

The 37-year-old visitor took it upon himself to carve his and his daughters’ initials into the walls of the House of the Vestal Virgins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pompeii, famously buried by Mt. Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 AD, is home to the House of the Vestal Virgins, where the virgin priestesses of the Roman goddess Vesta once resided.

This ancient structure has suffered damage over the years, including from World War II, but its vibrant mosaics and frescoes remain a major draw for tourists.

The tourist made five engravings, including initials and a date, using a blunt object. Staff noticed him standing near a frescoed section of the house and discovered the engravings after he left.

The Italian authorities were alerted, and the man was identified and reported to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

The Tourist’s Explanation

When questioned, the man reportedly apologized, saying he wanted to leave a record of his family’s visit. However, this explanation did little to mitigate the damage caused.

Previous Incidents

This isn’t the first instance of tourists vandalizing historical sites in Italy.

Just last June, a tourist from Kazakhstan was caught carving his name into another ancient wall in Pompeii.

Similarly, a Bristol visitor made headlines a year ago for etching names into Rome’s Colosseum.

Protecting Italy’s Heritage

As the high season approaches, Italian authorities are stepping up efforts to protect their cultural landmarks. Recent incidents include a Dutch tourist signing an ancient wall in Herculaneum and German tourists defacing the Vasari Corridor in Florence. With the rise in such vandalism, the focus on preserving Italy’s rich heritage has never been more critical.

TDPel Media

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