A U.S. couple on vacation in Venice, Italy, inadvertently violated a local law by having the man jog shirtless through the city, an act that is punishable by a fine. Julia Latoff, a dietician from New York City, shared the experience on Instagram after she and her boyfriend, Mike, decided to go for a run in the historic city.
Latoff explained that they are both runners and often incorporate runs into their travels. Her boyfriend, accustomed to running shirtless in New York City during hot weather, did the same in Venice. They had also observed other shirtless runners in Florence earlier in the week without issue.
However, during their Venice run, they noticed locals looking at them with apparent disapproval. Upon investigating, a quick Google search revealed that Venice has a law prohibiting bare chests and swimwear in public streets and squares. The ordinance, established in 2018, carries a fine of up to €250 (approximately $290).
The law is intended to uphold a culture of respect, particularly around religious sites like Saint Mark's Basilica and Santa Maria della Salute. The couple discovered the rule when a stranger shouted at them, prompting them to research local regulations. Latoff posted a video documenting the moment, advising other travelers to pack running shirts for Venice.
To avoid a ticket, Mike had to borrow a shirt before they could leave the area. The couple subsequently apologized to the residents of Venice for their oversight. Their experience drew varied reactions online, with some commenters criticizing their perceived lack of respect for local laws and others taking a more lighthearted approach.
Venice has enacted several regulations aimed at maintaining public order and cleanliness. Beyond the ban on bare chests, other offenses include consuming food and drink while sitting on public ground, loitering on canal banks or monuments, and bathing in the canals. Fines for these infractions can range from €100 to €350 (approximately $116 to $408), depending on the offense. The city also prohibits feeding pigeons and has restricted the use of bicycles, with only a designated route from Piazzale Roma to the Venezia Santa Lucia train station allowing them to be walked.
Latoff stated that the incident served as a learning experience, and her boyfriend now exercises more caution regarding his attire when traveling, even within the United States.