American Tourist Learns Venice Can Fine Shirtless Runners Up to €250

Q: How did a simple morning run in Venice turn into a desperate alleyway hideout for two American tourists?

A routine workout turned into an alleyway hideout because the couple unknowingly broke a Venice public-decency rule by running shirtless in the historic city center. Julia Latoff and Mike Naccarella, visiting from New York for a family anniversary trip, set out early for a run in July heat. Naccarella ran without a shirt, something the couple said is common in New York and something they had also seen in Florence earlier that week. But in Venice, bare-chested attire in public streets and squares has been banned since 2018, with fines of about €250. They realized something was wrong when locals stared, shook their heads and, according to their account, one older man shouted, “This isn’t a beach.” After stopping to search online, they discovered the rule and understood they could be fined if Naccarella stayed shirtless in public. Embarrassed and already about two miles from where they were staying, they decided not to continue or run back exposed. Instead, they ducked into a back alley while a family member went to find a shirt. Naccarella eventually put on an Aperol Spritz T-shirt and returned without further trouble. The episode drew criticism online, but it also underscored a broader reality for visitors: Venice and other European tourist cities have tightened conduct rules in response to overtourism, with clothing, behavior and public-space regulations enforced more strictly than many travelers may expect.

3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Aug 19

Mike Naccarella cut short a run through Venice after he realized going shirtless in public can bring fines of up to €250 and had already drawn angry looks from locals.
A quick online search during the outing showed Venice banned bare-chested visitors in 2018 to protect decorum around cultural and religious landmarks including St Mark's Basilica.
Two miles from their lodging, Naccarella avoided running back shirtless when a relative bought him a tourist-shop T-shirt for the return.
Julia Latoff said the couple had seen shirtless runners in Florence earlier that week and posted the episode online, hoping other travelers learn local rules before exercising abroad.