The souvenirs you can’t take home

Agrigento is hardly the first city to attempt to clean up its reputation in this way. In Colombia, similar gang ties have sparked a debate within Congress, with lawmakers keen to ban souvenirs of drug lord Pablo Escobar, saying: “These items re-victimise people who were victims of murderers.” The proposal would see vendors selling merchandise featuring Escobar or other convicted criminals fined $170 (£130), though many shopkeepers are reportedly unhappy with the change, saying it is tourists who specifically ask for Escobar-themed items.

The battle is also raging in Barcelona, ​​where the city council is exploring the option of banning “offensive” and “tasteless” souvenirs, saying they are “a sloppy bunch that tarnishes the image of Barcelona as a tourist destination.” Councillors have also noted that some items go beyond aesthetically unpleasant, citing the prevalence of homophobic and sexist merchandise. While a study is underway into the possibility of banning such items, Jordi Valls, Barcelona’s deputy mayor for the economy, warned that the process may require a creative solution. “It is difficult to standardize it, because what is considered bad taste is a matter of very high subjectivity,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Florence, the director of the Galleria dell’Accademia – home to Michelangelo’s David – has filed a series of lawsuits against vendors who “degrade” the famous statue. These include figurines and bottle openers that emphasize the statue’s genitals, as well as images and clothing featuring the statue. While not illegal, the lawsuits invoke Italy’s “code of cultural heritage,” which protects art treasures from derogatory commercial use. For some in the city, it’s a noble cause; others fear it could backfire and limit the number of products sold to tourists.