And so it continues. Now two German tourists have been arrested over vandalism of the Vasari Corridor in Florence. Their act was captured on camera.
Florence Mayor Dario Nardella condemned the “shameful act of vandalism” and announced an immediate inquiry to “identify these despicable individuals in order to punish them appropriately”, stressing that those who damage cultural heritage “commit a very serious crime”.
It has since been determined that it was 2 German tourists. One was still wearing the shirt he wore from last night as he drew on the historic monument.
The Carabinieri identified the two people who damaged the columns of the Vasari Corridor last night with an inscription praising a German soccer team playing in the third league. In particular, one of the graffiti inscribed on the monument reads ‘Dks 1860’.
The two, on vacation in Florence, were tracked down by the carabinieri in an apartment that housed nine other people.
They are all Germans and are now at the provincial headquarters of the carabinieri in Borgo Ognissanti for identification. One of the two individuals was still wearing the shirt he wore last night as he drew on the monument.
Spray cans of black paint and some clothing were also taken from the house where the 11 German tourists were staying. They have been taken to compare for a first offence.
Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said, “They must understand that even a small scratch will henceforth be prosecuted.”
What is the Vasari Corridor?
The Vasari Corridor is an elevated enclosed passageway connecting the Palazzo Vecchio with the Palazzo Pitti, crossing the Ponte Vecchio.
It was built in 1565 after Florence’s then rulers decided they wanted to move freely and secretly between the seat of city government and their private palace.
