Greece is home to some of the world’s most iconic historic sites – and officials are keen to protect them, so introduced a footwear ban in 2009
Brits jetting off to Greece have been told that they could face fines for donning the wrong footwear.
Given Greece’s rich history, dating back to the Stone Ages, the country is eager to safeguard its heritage. However, concerns have been raised about the potential damage certain types of shoes could inflict on historical structures.
This has resulted in a ban on high heels in some areas of the European nation. Since 2009, tourists visiting iconic Athens landmarks such as the Acropolis and the Epidaurus Theatre have been advised to leave their heels behind.
Those who ignore the rules risk arrest and a hefty 900 Euro fine. It’s important to note, though, that this ban only applies to Athens’ ancient monuments.
In a video on his Wolter’s World YouTube channel, travel guru Mark Wolters warned: “There are no high-heeled shoes at the Acropolis. Actually, there are no high-heeled shoes at most of the historic sites in Greece because the high-heeled shoes can chip the marble therefore they don’t want you wearing them. So sadly, there are no high-heeled shoes in Athens.”
Eleni Korka, Director of Greek Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, explained the rule to MailOnline in 2009: “Female visitors must wear shoes that do not wound the monuments. These monuments have a skin that suffers and people must realise that.”
In 2009, a ban was put in place at historic sites barring anyone wearing heels or those who were intoxicated. Food, drink and on-site performances were also prohibited as part of conservation efforts, reports the Express.
Mark points out the high heels ban as one of the “weirder” laws that could land tourists in trouble. He also cautions travellers heading to Florence about the potential for getting into hot water for eating gelato outdoors on certain streets.
Another peculiar Italian law, according to Mark, is the prohibition on feeding pigeons in Venice’s iconic St Mark’s Square. He said: “Back in the day, you would go there and people would literally sell feed so you could have the pigeons cover you. Not anymore, if you feed the pigeons, you’re going to get a little fine.”
The law preventing visitors in Venice from feeding pigeons was introduced in 2008.
The fine can range anywhere between €700 (£580) and €70 (£58). Mark also mentions Italy’s laws protecting historic monuments, noting that it’s illegal to jump into the Trevi Fountain in Rome.
People can be fined up to €500 (£417) for taking a dip in the historic fountain. Mark elaborated: “If you’re in Rome and you’re going to hop in Trevi Fountain for a picture, you better believe you’re going to get a fine for that. And you may be thinking ‘I was hot, I was trying to cool off’ but that doesn’t matter.”
