Police catch woman, 28, climbing colossal 16th-century statue of Neptune to touch its genitals as a dare
A tourist has been charged after allegedly climbing a colossal marble statue in Florence to touch its genitals for a pre-wedding prank.
Experts said the woman caused thousands of euros of damage to the Neptune fountain in Piazza della Signoria.
Created by the sculptor Bartolomeo Ammannati, it was commissioned by Cosimo I de’ Medici in 1559 to celebrate the marriage of his son, Francesco I de’ Medicito grand duchess Joanna of Austria. The basin is surrounded by horses that pull a shell-shaped chariot at the base of a statue depicting Neptune, the Roman god of the sea.
The 28-year-old tourist, whose nationality has not been disclosed, was spotted by police and quickly removed from the monument. She told them her friends had dared her to touch Neptune’s genitals, according to a statement from Florence’s city council.
