Suedwest Presse reports that the Ulm Minster, which contains the world’s tallest church tower, is at risk due to the stone base being gradually eroded by the salts and acids in urine. The church has become a regular spot for men to pee against, especially when wandering back from nearby beer taverns.
To safeguard the structure, the local authority has doubled fines for those caught to 100 euros ($110). However, this punitive penalty is having little effect, mainly because it is difficult to catch people in the act, especially at night.
Speaking with the BBC, Michael Hilbert, head of the department that maintains the building, said: “I’ve been keeping an eye on it for half a year now and, once again, it’s coated with urine and vomit.” The frustration with the continued anti-social behavior is further exacerbated through the church’s sandstone base having recently been restored, at considerable cost.
Ulm Minster’s steeple measures 161.53 meters (530 feet), and the Lutheran church is often mistaken for a cathedral. Ulm Minster was begun in the Gothic era but not completed until the late 19th century. The final stairwell to the top of the church (known as the third Gallery) is a tall, spiraling staircase that has barely enough room for one person.
To protect the church, The Daily Telegraph reports that police patrols have increased, but recently one has been caught in the act.
