Millions of tourists flocking to the historic Italian cities of Florence and Venice are being warned not to sit down when faced with the splendor of the Renaissance -- or be slapped with a 50-euro (US$55) fine.
Local authorities in the two cities have decided to roll out two forgotten bylaws in an effort to impose some order on the tourist chaos that swamps them each year, La Repubblica newspaper reported Saturday.
Tourists and locals alike are now no longer allowed to sit or stretch out in front of Florence's cathedral, better known as the Duomo, or the Santa Maria Novella church.
Police have promised to initially ask people to simply stand up, but persistent laziness will be fined. The measure is to be extended to three more of the city's popular squares.
In Venice, tourists can no longer walk around topless or throw themselves into a canal to try and escape the heat.
Signs in four languages (English, French, German and Italian) will also shortly be going up warning people against throwing rubbish or chewing gum onto the polished marble pavements.
The measures are thought to be linked to declarations made by Duomo official Monsignor Timothy Verdon at the end of last month.
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