MCecilie Hollberg, the German director of the famous Galleria dell'Accademia museum, caused a stir when she described Florence as a “prostitute”. “Once a city has become a prostitute, it's hard for it to become a virgin again,” Hollberg told reporters Monday, referring to mass tourism in the Italian city.

“Florence is very beautiful, and I would like it to return to its people and not be crushed by tourism,” said Hollberg, whose museum includes Renaissance artist Michelangelo's world-famous sculpture of David, according to the newspaper. “The Republic of La”. But it is “already too late”: without an “absolute” brake on the number of tourists, he sees no “hope”.

I apologize for the choice of words

In a statement from the Galleria dell'Accademia, the director appointed to run the museum in 2015 later apologized for his choice of words. He used “the city I love” for “wrong words”. He wanted to say that Florence must become an example of responsible tourism.

However, Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano criticized the German historian's comments as “serious and offensive” and said he was considering “appropriate” measures. Hollberg was also sharply criticized by the deputy mayor of Florence, Alessia Bettini. If Florence is a prostitute, the question arises whether the inhabitants of the city are the “prostitute's children” and the tourists are the “prostitute's clients”.

Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who was once the mayor of Florence, said the museum's director must apologize or resign. At the same time, Italy is aware of the massive influx of tourists, which affects not only Florence, but also other cities, especially Venice.