A dispute over the rules at Bagno Marino La Lanterna, an Italian beach with a long-standing gender segregation policy, escalated into a physical altercation over the weekend. The incident occurred at the beach, known locally as Pedocin, in the northern Italian city of Trieste.
The beach, believed to be the last of its kind in Europe, was established in the early 1900s. It is divided by a wall, with one side designated for men and the other for women and children under 12. On the women's side, bathers can wear swimsuits and go topless without facing the male gaze, while the men's side offers a space for reading and conversation.
The disturbance began when an unnamed woman from Milan reportedly entered the men's section of the beach to sunbathe with her boyfriend. According to reports, she was confronted by another beachgoer, a woman in her 50s who was reportedly assisting her disabled son to the restroom. The tourist allegedly called the other woman a "sexist oaf" and "backward," and approached her with a raised hand.
Witnesses stated that male beachgoers intervened to de-escalate the situation before it became more violent between the women. However, a female beach worker was reportedly shoved during the incident.
After the confrontation, the woman and her companion allegedly demanded a refund for their beach entry fee, which was approximately €2.40.
Online reactions to the incident have largely criticized the woman's actions, with many commenters arguing that while the beach's rules may seem outdated, they should be respected by visitors. Some online commentary labeled the tourist as "stupid, arrogant, and ignorant" for disregarding the established tradition.