With a population of less than 400, it is one of the richest municipalities in Italy and attracts the rich and famous. Portofino seems like an ideal tourist destination, but – as the British Guardian writes – it has recently become the scene of a “hunt” for air conditioners. This is due to strict restrictions on the use of these devices and the actions taken in this matter by the local police.
Portofino, with a population of less than 400 permanent residents, is located in the west Italianin the Liguria region, is one of the richest municipalities in Italy and is considered a snobbish place, attracting the rich and famous. Recently, Madonna appeared there, who – according to unofficial reports – wants to organize a birthday “megaparty” there to celebrate his 66th birthday.
The British Guardian, referring to the heatwave in Italy, writes that “Portofino is hot, but the atmosphere has become decidedly cool” among the residents of the exclusive Italian town since strict restrictions were introduced on the use of air conditioning there.
Portofino has been part of a regional national park since 1935 and until a few years ago the installation of air conditioning in buildings there was completely banned.
The Guardian notes that as temperatures have risen in recent summers, rules have been relaxed to allow the use of the equipment, provided the homeowner asks for permission and ensures the devices are discreetly placed and do not spoil the natural beauty of Portofino.
The Guardian reports that between January and May, local police recorded 22 illegally installed air conditioners on roofs and terraces, and another 15 since June, when temperatures soared. Portofino Mayor Matteo Viacava denied reports in the Italian press that police had used drones to locate illegally installed air conditioners. “The summers are getting warmer and July and August are hot and very humid. It’s not that we want people to suffer and not be able to sleep because of the heat, (…). We are all dependent on air conditioning now. But Portofino is in a regional park and there are rules that have to be followed,” Viacava told the Guardian.
PortofinoShutterstock
“Vendetta” among the residents
Italian daily Corriere della Sera reported earlier of a “vendetta” among residents, including neighbors denounce each other, with some trying to hide their air conditioning units or disguise them by painting them so they would not stand out from the surroundings.
“In some cases, people reportedly accepted an invitation to a neighbour's home only to secretly take a photo of the device, which they then handed over to police,” the Guardian writes.
Those who break the rules risk fines of up to €43,000 (over 184,000 zloty), although the mayor of Viacava admitted that most of the cases had so far been resolved and that the aim was not to fine people. “We just want to make sure that the restrictions are respected and that the beauty of Portofino is preserved,” he said, according to the Guardian. He added that air conditioning units must be placed in places where they are not visible. “We are slowly, slowly getting things in order,” he added.
Main image source: Shutterstock