In a heartfelt letter, a 27-year-old man from the United Kingdom has extended his sincere apologies to the people of Italy and the global community after being filmed scratching the walls of the renowned Colosseum in Rome. The incident, which sparked widespread outrage, has prompted the remorseful tourist to acknowledge his ignorance of the monument’s historical significance.

The video, which quickly went viral on social media platforms, depicted Ivan Dimitrov from Bristol etching his and his girlfriend’s names, “Ivan + Hayley 23,” onto the 2,000-year-old amphitheater. The act of vandalism garnered strong condemnation from viewers worldwide. Italian authorities took immediate action, initiating a search for Dimitrov and successfully tracing him back to England.

Reports indicate that Dimitrov has since shared a letter expressing his profound remorse and admitting his lack of awareness regarding the monument’s antiquity. The BBC reports Dimitrov’s statement in which he sincerely apologizes to the Italian people and the entire global community. He expressed deep embarrassment over the incident, emphasizing that only afterward did he realize the historical value of the Colosseum. Dimitrov also acknowledged that such behavior would result in far more severe consequences in his home country.

“I wholeheartedly and honestly apologize to the Italians and to the whole world,” Dimitrov’s letter read. “I admit with profound embarrassment that only after what regretfully happened did I learn of the antiquity of the monument. I am also aware of the fact that a similar conduct, in my country, would result in far more serious consequences.”

Furthermore, Dimitrov expressed remorse for his incivility, superficiality, and thoughtlessness, recognizing the damage he caused to the Colosseum, depriving those who genuinely wish to admire and enjoy its grandeur. His letter serves as an acknowledgement of the unjustifiability of his actions.

The Minister of Culture of the Italian Republic, Gennaro Sangiuliano, also weighed in on the matter, sharing the video of the vandalism on Twitter. The minister’s gesture aimed to raise awareness and emphasize the importance of preserving historical landmarks, particularly those designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The incident serves as a reminder of the need for responsible tourism and respect for cultural heritage. While the apology from Ivan Dimitrov offers some consolation, the incident has left a lasting impression on the public, highlighting the significance of safeguarding historical sites for future generations.