A man was filmed scaling the replica of Michelangelo’s David in Florence early Sunday morning, prompting outrage and a police investigation.
The incident occurred at around 3:30 am on 3rd August in Piazza della Signoria. The climber, dressed in a light shirt and red shorts, ascended the statue from its left leg up to the waist, reportedly encouraged by friends.
Footage of the act was captured by bystanders and security cameras and was widely shared online. The video was first posted by the Instagram account Welcome to Florence, where it quickly gained attention.
Florence’s municipal police have launched an investigation and passed the case to the public prosecutor’s office. The man, who has not yet been identified, may face charges related to the unlawful use of cultural heritage.
Repeated target of vandalism
This is not the first time the David replica — a symbol of Florence — has been targeted. In March 2022, a man set fire to a black cloth draped over the statue in protest, causing €15,000 in damage.
The latest episode has renewed concerns about the protection of Florence’s open-air monuments, especially during night-time hours.
Ongoing security failures
Just weeks before, climbers were filmed scaling the Basilica of Santa Croce, an act that also triggered a police probe. That incident prompted fresh calls for stricter security measures around Florence’s historic sites.
City officials and heritage advocates warn that these stunts expose deep vulnerabilities in the surveillance of the city’s cultural landmarks.
