It’s becoming more and more common these days—travelers trying to snap the perfect photo and ending up damaging something priceless.
Whether it’s in an art gallery or an ancient ruin, some tourists are showing shocking disregard for historical artifacts and irreplaceable works of art.
Tourist Poses With Ancient Marble Like a Trophy in Greece
In the latest display of disrespect, a visitor to the Greek island of Naxos has left locals furious after lifting a marble fragment near the Portara, a famous ancient temple gate that dates back to 530 BC.
The man was photographed holding the piece of white marble triumphantly above his head—like he had just won a medal—completely ignoring the cultural weight of the site.
The Portara, part of the Sanctuary of Apollo, is a monumental gateway made entirely of marble.
It’s all that remains of a once-grand temple to Apollo that was never completed.
The area is open to the public without fences, tickets, or guards, which makes it freely accessible—but also vulnerable to carelessness.
Makeshift BBQ at Sacred Site Adds to the Outrage
To make matters worse, the marble-lifter wasn’t the only one treating the place like a personal playground.
Another group of tourists turned the archaeological site into a picnic area, reportedly setting up skewers, drinks, and even a mini bar.
Local residents didn’t hold back their anger online.
One person wrote, “This is heartbreaking—people climbing, stealing, and using ancient marbles like props.”
Another added, “These aren’t just stones—they’re our history, our identity.”
Others called for strict penalties and better protection of cultural heritage sites, with some even suggesting that irresponsible tourism in Greece has gone too far.
Naxos Authorities Demand Better Protection for Sacred Grounds
The Mayor of Naxos, Dimitris Lianos, has responded by informing the Ministry of Culture and assigning a guard to the site, at least for now.
But the hope is for a long-term solution.
“We want this site to be maintained properly,” Lianos said in an interview.
“With structured entry, ticketing, and security so we can protect it and allow it to contribute to our cultural economy.”
The Portara incident is just the latest in a string of head-scratching tourist behavior that’s left experts and officials shaking their heads.
Selfie Gone Wrong Damages Priceless Painting in Italy
Just a few weeks before the Greek debacle, another careless tourist caused damage in Italy.
While visiting the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, a man tried to take a selfie mimicking the pose in an 18th-century portrait of Ferdinando de’ Medici by Anton Domenico Gabbiani.
But things didn’t go as planned.
In his effort to get the perfect angle, the man lost his balance and fell backwards—right into the painting.
His fall tore a hole in the canvas, specifically near the prince’s boot.
The painting had to be taken down for repairs.
Thankfully, experts determined the damage was minor, but the museum still reported the man to the police.
Van Gogh-Inspired Art Piece Wrecked by Photo Opportunity
Meanwhile, in Verona, a Swarovski-covered chair inspired by Vincent van Gogh was badly damaged at the Palazzo Maffei art gallery.
Designed by Italian artist Nicola Bolla, the chair was never meant to be sat on—it was an exhibit. But that didn’t stop one couple from treating it like a photo booth prop.
Footage from a security camera shows the woman pretending to sit while her partner snaps a photo.
Then, the man himself decides to actually sit on the fragile art piece.
It immediately collapsed into the wall, leaving the glittering chair bent and broken.
The museum later posted a disappointed message online: “Every museum’s nightmare has come true.”
Fortunately, expert restorers were able to repair the chair, though the museum described the experience as a crisis.
When Will Tourists Learn?
From marble blocks to crystal-encrusted chairs, the growing trend of treating historical and cultural treasures like selfie stations is getting out of hand.
Experts and locals alike are calling for stricter rules, better surveillance, and stronger consequences.
Yes, travel should be fun—and yes, taking pictures is part of the experience.
But at what cost?
These cultural sites and artworks represent the soul of a people and the creativity of centuries past.
Maybe it’s time we all took a moment to look, learn, and leave with memories instead of damage.