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Julia Latoff and Mike Naccarella learn local Venice laws after running shirtless through historic streets

American travelers Julia Latoff and Mike Naccarella narrowly avoided a fine in Venice, Italy, after running through the city's historic streets without a shirt. The couple, who were vacationing to celebrate a 60th wedding anniversary, assumed that running shirtless was acceptable because they had seen other runners doing so in Florence earlier in the week. However, local residents expressed visible disapproval, eventually leading the couple to discover that it is illegal to be bare-chested in Venice's city center since 2018. To preserve respect for the city's cultural and religious landmarks, the Venice City Council enforces a rule where visitors can be fined up to €250 ($290) for walking without a shirt or in swimwear. Upon realizing their mistake, the couple hid in an alleyway until Mike Naccarella could acquire a new shirt. Latoff noted that while the mistake was an honest one, it served as a reminder for travelers to be mindful of local customs and cultural etiquette when exploring international destinations.

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