Florence police have confirmed the arrest of a 28-year-old woman after she attempted to touch the genitalia of the Neptune statue in the city’s Piazza della Signoria, officials said.
The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when the woman, whose identity has not been released, approached the 16th-century marble fountain and reached toward the sculpted private parts of the sea god Neptune, according to a statement from the Florence municipal police. Officers intervened immediately, detaining her on suspicion of damaging cultural heritage.
The statue, created by Bartolomeo Ammannati between 1563 and 1565, is a centerpiece of the piazza and one of Florence’s most photographed landmarks. It depicts Neptune standing atop a chariot pulled by sea horses, surrounded by mythological figures including nymphs and satyrs. The work is considered a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance sculpture and is protected under national cultural heritage laws.
Florence’s cultural heritage office confirmed that the statue sustained no visible damage from the incident. “The marble surface remains intact,” a spokesperson said. “No chipping, scratching, or alteration was observed during the immediate inspection.”
The woman was taken to a local police station for questioning and later released pending further investigation. Authorities have not disclosed her nationality or whether she is a tourist or resident. No charges have been filed as of Wednesday morning, though prosecutors are reviewing whether her actions constitute an attempt to deface a protected monument under Article 734 of the Italian Penal Code, which criminalizes damage to cultural or historical property.
Piazza della Signoria, an open-air sculpture gallery adjacent to the Uffizi Gallery, draws millions of visitors annually. The Neptune fountain, though less frequented than nearby works like Michelangelo’s David replica, remains a focal point for both tourists and locals. In recent years, city officials have increased surveillance around the piazza’s monuments following several incidents of inappropriate behavior, including climbing on statues and littering.
The municipal police declined to comment on whether the woman had been previously warned or if similar incidents have occurred at the site this year. No official statement has been issued by the Florence mayor’s office or the Ministry of Culture regarding the event.
As of Wednesday, the Neptune statue remains open to public view, with no barriers or restrictions imposed. Police continue to monitor the piazza, and no further actions have been announced by judicial or cultural authorities.
