Tourists trying to take a selfie severely damaged a marble statue in Italy

 By   on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Two tourists may face criminal charges after damaging a marble statue in Cremona, Italy, while trying to take a selfie.

The two men, whose nationalities have not been identified, were climbing on the Statua dei due Ercole -- the Statue of Two Hercules -- when the crown piece on its top fell off, crumbling on the ground.

The statue was made in the early 1700s, and features two Hercules raising a shield with Cremona's coat of arms.

Salgono sulla statua per un selfie Distrutto simbolo Cremona Foto http://t.co/JzyR3GOxsl pic.twitter.com/Ehzf2gtpne— Corriere della Sera (@Corriereit) May 2, 2015

Local police consider the destruction of the statue, considered a symbol of the city, an act of vandalism, according to Corriere della Serra.

Social media photos and tourists have proven a dangerous combination at several tourist attractions.

Earlier this year, tourists were arrested for getting naked and taking photos at Ankgor Wat in Cambodia.

Tourists have long held a bad reputation, and those with a penchant for taking their own photo instead of focusing on the surroundings is causing more and more problems.

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!