A 60-year-old homeless Austrian woman has been charged with vandalism after allegedly smearing feces on Renaissance frescoes inside one of Rome's historic basilicas. The disturbing incident occurred Tuesday at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, a church located near the busy Termini train station in the Italian capital.

According to reports from the Italian news agency Adnkronos, the woman entered the basilica and made her way toward the altar area. She then pulled a plastic bag containing excrement from her backpack and hurled it at several of the church's precious frescoes, which are attributed to works in the style of Renaissance master Michelangelo.

Police officers were immediately called to the scene and arrested the woman on charges of damaging a religious site. A police spokesperson provided some relief regarding the extent of the damage, explaining that "fortunately, only newer works at accessible heights were hit, and these were also protected by plexiglass." This protective barrier appears to have prevented irreparable damage to the artistic treasures.

The incident has shocked both local authorities and art preservation experts, as the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli houses significant Renaissance artwork. The church, built within the ruins of ancient Roman baths, contains numerous historically important frescoes and artistic works that attract thousands of visitors annually.

The Austrian woman, who has been living without permanent residence in Rome, now faces serious charges under Italian law for the desecration of a religious site and destruction of cultural property. Italian authorities take such crimes against cultural heritage extremely seriously, given the country's status as home to countless irreplaceable artistic treasures. The case highlights ongoing challenges that major tourist cities face in protecting their cultural sites while remaining accessible to the public.