Three men have been reported in Venice. The tourists are said to have daubed the historic Rialto Bridge with green and pink spray paint.
July 18, 2026, 3:32 p.mJuly 18, 2026, 3:32 p.m
According to the city, the three Pakistani nationals, aged 20, 21 and 22, live in Milan and had traveled to Venice with other friends to celebrate a birthday. The city police were alerted at around 4:40 a.m. on Saturday night following tips from passers-by.
This is the bridge. (archive image)Image: keystone
Emergency services initially checked five people near the bridge. According to the information, investigations and the analysis of video recordings led to the three suspects against whom a complaint was filed.
The city of Venice announced that it would demand compensation. In addition to the costs of removing the graffiti, this should also include the damage to the lagoon city’s image. Vice Mayor Francesca Zaccariotto spoke of a serious and unacceptable incident. Anyone who comes to Venice to damage the city must expect to be identified and prosecuted.
Built at the end of the 16th century, the Rialto Bridge is the oldest and most famous bridge over the Grand Canal in Venice. It is one of the most important landmarks of the lagoon city and is one of the most visited attractions in Italy. (hkl/sda/apa)