Florence’s Neptune fountain damaged by tourist during pre-wedding stunt; €5,000 in repairs

A 28-year-old tourist climbed the Fountain of Neptune in Florence’s Piazza della Signoria for a ‘pre-wedding’ challenge, causing damage to the statue’s legs and a frieze. Repairs are estimated at 5,000 euros, and the woman has been reported to authorities for defacing an artistic asset, though she is presumed innocent until a court rules. The fountain—commissioned in 1559 by Cosimo I de Medici—has a history of damage and security cameras were later installed after prior incidents in 2005 and 2023.