Tourist who rode moped through ancient Pompeii ruins branded ‘barbarian’ by furious Italians – but has ridiculous excuse
AN IDIOT tourist has been branded a “barbarian” by Italians after he was snapped riding a moped through the ancient ruins of Pompeii.
The Aussie visitor was arrested after being stopped by security around a mile into his ride through the 2,000-year-old grounds.
He has since been charged with “unauthorised access” – but pleaded ignorance to cops as he claimed he had no idea wasn’t allowed to drive through the famed ruins.
Tourist vehicles are strictly banned from the archaeological park, which was destroyed by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD.
Park bosses confirmed the rider – described as a “barbarian” by local Italian media – had not damaged any of the site.
His ride only lasted “a few minutes thanks to the efficient work by security guards and CCTV”, they confirmed.
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The tourist, believed to be 33, has since apologised.
He accessed the park illegally through the service entrance for maintenance vehicles and thankfully only rode on an external stretch of the city and not ancient roads.
Park officials said: “The route taken is a dirt road outside the ancient city walls, used by site vehicles for excavation works.
“It is safe, restored, and not accessible to the public.
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“So there was no danger for either visitors or for the archaeological heritage at any point.”
Meanwhile, a British tourist was stung with a £426 after making a very easy mistake while on holiday.
The 42-year-man was visiting Rome’s Piazza di Spagna when he was caught by Rome police officers dipping his feet in the fountain to cool off.
It came after an American tourist who caused more than £20,000 worth of damage to Rome’s iconic Spanish Steps when she threw an e-scooter down them was fined just £430.
Footage showed the woman, who Italian authorities said was a US tourist, hurling the rented e-scooter down the steps in an apparent tantrum.
And another two idiot tourists were fined after breaking a strict rule during a holiday in Italy.
The unnamed men were visiting Rome from the Netherlands when they decided to enter the Trevi Fountain.
Police attended the scene and the two men attempting to avoid capture by mingling in the crowds of tourists.
They were soon caught and handed a fine of around €1000 (£844) for their crime, according to local media.
Meanwhile, a popular tourist destination is banning a number of tourists this summer due to overcrowding.
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The Amalfi Coast in Italy is stopping tourists from visiting every day, due to the huge problems the surge in travellers causes to the tiny area.
The region, which is a favourite of tourists due to its sea views and colourful buildings, has long suffered from huge queues on the roads, blocking off access.