Swiss Tourist Filmed Carving Initials on Colosseum Wall

In Rome, a Swiss tourist has been caught on camera carving her initials into the wall of the historic Colosseum. This incident follows a similar one where a British tourist was also caught defacing the ancient monument.

The Incident

The tourist, a 17-year-old Swiss girl, was filmed while she was in the act of scratching her initials into the wall. The video, which was shared on social media, shows her looking around in surprise as she realizes she's being filmed.

Footage of Swiss tourist, 17, carving her initials into the Colosseum. pic.twitter.com/Ootxkal3zh

— Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) July 15, 2023

Potential Consequences

The young tourist now faces a potential prison sentence of 2 to 5 years and a fine of up to 15,000 euros. The British man who was previously caught defacing the monument later wrote an apology letter, expressing remorse and claiming ignorance about the age of the monument.

Response and Measures

The Swiss tourist, who was on vacation in Rome with her family, was reportedly taken to the Carabinieri station where she was charged with causing damage to a monument of artistic and historical heritage. Similar incidents at the Colosseum are unfortunately common. In response, the Italian Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano is demanding harsher penalties for such offenses.