Officials Beg the Public to Stop Peeing on the World’s Tallest Church Tower

Since its completion in 1890, the pinnacle of Ulm Minster in Germany has reached higher than any other Christian church in the world. At 530 feet, it was even the tallest structure on Earth for a brief stint in the late 19th century. Today, the historic landmark is facing a unique threat: urine and vomit from inconsiderate passersby.

As Travel + Leisure reports, the pee problem has gotten so bad that the stone base of the tower is beginning to erode. Now the church officials responsible for conserving it are imploring the public to stop.

Martin Kraft via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 3.0

Earlier in 2016, the city of Ulm doubled the fine for public urination to 100 euros, but so far that’s done little to deter vandals and their bodily fluids. A city spokeswoman told Süedwest Presse that despite the evidence coating the walls, practically no one’s been caught in the act. She said that “as long as there are people,” the problem isn’t likely to disappear anytime soon.

The sandstone base was recently restored, but if the public doesn’t start behaving, the department that maintains the building could be faced with another restoration—and the financial burden that entails. Since curbing the city's partiers isn't likely to happen anytime soon, one department official has put forth a more realistic solution: on-site port-a-potties.

[h/t Travel + Leisure]

Know of something you think we should cover? Email us at tips@mentalfloss.com.