Pisa's historic Ghibellina bookstore has recently found itself at the center of controversy after receiving fines for displaying books outside its premises, raising questions about urban decorum regulations and the value placed on cultural expressions.
The fine, set at 100 euros, pertained to the alleged violation of local decorum laws enforced by the municipal government. Owners of the Ghibellina, Rimedia Deffenu and her partners, expressed disbelief at the charges, particularly since the displayed books have been part of the store's exterior for nearly fifty years. "With all due respect, to say books are indecorous cannot be heard," Deffenu stated, firmly defending their practice as part of the cultural fabric of Pisa.
The fines were imposed after local police carried out inspections, resulting not only in the decorum-related penalty but also earlier fines totaling 200 euros for allegedly occupying public space without appropriate permits. While accepting the initial fine, the bookstore owners contested the latter, emphasizing their intention to comply with city regulations and pointing to the lack of communication from city officials about their permit renewal.
"We made clear we wanted to rectify this oversight but were instead met with immediate fines without prior warning," Deffenu explained. The situation escalated with reports of police threats to return for additional fines, which would jeopardize the bookstore’s ability to continue operation altogether. Their predicament reflects wider community sentiments as protests erupted, with citizens gathering outside the bookstore to express solidarity.
Critics of the fines are echoing the sentiments of many who believe the display of books should be celebrated rather than penalized. "These books have been outside for 50 years, and it’s also a tourist attraction," Deffenu said on social media, calling attention to the bookstore’s role as not only a commercial entity but also as cultural heritage. The uproar has attracted attention from local political factions, with members of Fratelli d'Italia expressing their displeasure over the enforcement actions taken against the longtime establishment.
Rachele Compare, the local coordinator of Fratelli d’Italia, stated, “We don’t accept lessons from anyone on the respect of regulations and the support of culture.” This reflects growing tensions between local business owners and the municipality's efforts to enforce what they see as necessary urban decorum measures. The ordinance, effective from 2021, was ostensibly aimed at improving the city’s aesthetics but has drawn fire for negatively impacting local businesses.
Defenders of the penalization, including police commander Elio Cappellini, have maintained the importance of uniform enforcement of regulations. "The case of the Ghibellina bookstore falls within the framework of general controls carried out throughout the city," Cappellini stated, assuring the public of fairness. Yet, comments from local politicians such as Paolo Martinelli, who noted the discriminatory spirit of such regulations, suggest discord between governance and community support for local culture.
Luigi Sofia, leader of Sinistra Unita, stressed, "Books not only do not represent a violation of urban decorum but rather restore dignity and pleasure to the sidewalk and the passage." This commentary encapsulates the broader debate over what truly constitutes 'decorum' and 'cultural value’ within urban settings.
Residents and cultural advocates are demanding the city reconsider its approach, with many arguing for exemptions for cultural entities—especially those with histories as long and rich as the Ghibellina’s. A balance between fostering aesthetic standards and promoting cultural identity may be fundamental as the city navigates its future regulatory framework.
While the legal battles over such ordinances continue to play out, the notion remains clear: the intersection of culture and commerce needs to be seen as something to be celebrated, not regulated away. For many, the Ghibellina bookstore is much more than just another local business—it is a cherished part of Pisani life representing literature's endless power to inspire and unite.
