Vacationing U.S. Couple Learns Costly Lesson in Venice

During a vacation in Venice, Italy, a U.S. couple encountered an unexpected challenge due to a misunderstanding of local regulations. Julia Latoff and her boyfriend, Mike, were celebrating his grandparents’ 60th wedding anniversary with a family trip to Italy and Austria when their Venice stopover took a turn.

The Running Mishap

Both avid runners, Julia and Mike decided to go for a jog through Venice. “We both got into running right after college,” Julia told Newsweek. “I love that it’s an individual sport with a strong community.” For them, running is more than exercise; it’s a personal challenge.

With temperatures high in early July, Mike ran without a shirt, a norm in their hometown of NYC during summer. Having seen other shirtless runners in Florence earlier that week, they thought nothing of it. As they navigated Venice’s streets, people reacted with disapproval, prompting the couple to investigate further.

Local Regulations and Fines

Venice implements strict regulations to maintain respect for its cultural and religious landmarks. Visitors can face fines for bare-chested attire or swimwear in public areas. Offenders may incur fines up to €250 ($290), as reported by the Venice City Council.

Julia and Mike quickly realized their mistake when someone shouted at them. To rectify the situation, they hid in an alley and bought a shirt. Julia described the incident as “an honest mistake” that left them feeling embarrassed.

Beyond clothing rules, Venice enforces various other regulations. Eating or drinking while seated on the ground, or sitting on monuments and bridges, can result in fines of €100 to €200. Swimming in canals is prohibited, with a €350 fine. Littering and feeding pigeons or seagulls also attract fines ranging from €25 to €500.

Bicycles are banned in Venice’s historic center, even when pushed by hand, carrying a €100 fine for violators. Public camping incurs a €200 fine. Offenders may receive a DASPO, requiring them to leave the area where the offense occurred.

Learning from Experience

Julia shared her experience on Instagram, advising others to pack a running shirt when visiting Venice. She noted that both she and Mike have become more cautious when traveling, even within the U.S.

For assistance on this topic, Newsweek editors Rebecca Flood and James Debens can be contacted.