Sunday, October 6, 2024 Italian authorities are facing outrage after a renowned landmark, over 220 million years old, was defaced with graffiti bearing an anti-tourism message. The iconic rock, famous for its well-preserved dinosaur footprints, now displays the phrase “tourists go home” scrawled across its surface. The shocking discovery was made by Paralympian athlete and climber Moreno Pesce while training in the Dolomites in Northern Italy.
In a video shared online, Pesce expressed his dismay upon encountering the vandalism, shaking his head in disbelief as he filmed the defaced landmark. Following Pesce’s post, many local residents quickly voiced their anger and disappointment at the act. The defacement occurred between the Auronzo and Lavaredo mountains, areas that host some of Italy’s most popular hiking trails, attracting nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world.
The dinosaur footprints, first discovered in 1992, are believed to have been formed during the Triassic period, approximately 250 to 200 million years ago. This significant finding has led to similar discoveries across the Dolomites, with experts suggesting that the region served as a prehistoric dinosaur trail, offering insight into the life of these ancient creatures. During the summer months, the picturesque mountain range attracts around four million tourists each year, leading to concerns among locals about the impact of tourism on their natural heritage.
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