Tourist crashes drone into Rome monument

A tourist has been charged with a violation of strict no-fly zone rules after crashing a drone into the roof of a prominent monument in central Rome in the latest tourist mishap in Italy.

The Argentinian man, 39, had been flying his drone in Piazza Venezia when he lost control of the device and sent it into the roof of Palazzo Venezia, a 15th century building from where the fascist dictator Benito Mussolini delivered some of his most famous speeches.

According to reports in the Italian media, the drone was recovered by the building's security staff before being seized by police, who reported the tourist for failing to comply with a no-fly drone zone over the city.

People who want to take shots of the Italian capital from above with a drone must get permission and be registered with Enac, the national body for civil aviation. The piloting a drone in central Rome and the Vatican is completely out of bounds because of all the precious monuments.

The tourists seem to be oblivious to the rules. Two Mexican tourists crashed their drone into the Leaning Tower of Pisa last week. The brother and sister faced police action for breaking no-fly rules around the Tuscan city's famous landmark.

In 2020 a 40-year-old tourist from Poland crashed his drone inside the Colosseum despite being warned that piloting the device would be banned from the ancient amphitheatre. A 61-year-old man was charged with an attack on transport security last year after he flew his drone above Rome at an altitude of 2,000 metres. A Facebook page for drone fans reported a man who was a member of a Facebook page for drone fanatics after his device was seen by a professional pilot.

There have been no reports of damage to monuments due to the impact of crashing drones. Penalties imposed have not been reported either, but fines for violating drone rules range from €516 to €64,000.

Italy celebrated the liberation day on Monday, marking the 77th year since the country was liberated from German occupation and fascist rule.

Mussolini made some of his most famous speeches from the balcony of Palazzo Venezia, including declaring war against Britain and France on 10 June 1940. The building is now a museum.