The Ponte Vecchio, a beautiful centuries-old bridge spanning the Arno River in the Italian city of Florence, is best viewed on foot, with crowds of tourists regularly thronging the pedestrianized structure to view its ancient stonework.

According to a statement from the City of Florence press office, last week an (unnamed) 34-year-old California tourist was hit with a €500 ($726) fine after crossing the bridge in a white rented Fiat Panda car, and for driving without an international driver’s license.

The man told police he was looking for parking and didn’t realize that he was on the famous medieval bridge, according to the statement.

The Ponte Vecchio is enclosed, lined with shops and normally heaving with pedestrian traffic.

The 98-foot (30-meter) long landmark, crosses the narrowest part of the Arno River, and links the Pitti Palace to Piazza Repubblica. The original bridge was begun in the year 996 and finished in 1345, and has been swept away in floods and rebuilt several times.

It is the only bridge in Florence not bombed by Germany in World War II.

Florence has earmarked €2 million for an extensive renovation project, according to the City of Florence budget.

The Fiat Panda driver isn’t alone when it comes to tourists causing trouble for themselves by apparently taking a wrong turn into a famous Italian landmark.

Last May, a Saudi man was apprehended trying to leave Italy after he drove a rented Maserati sports car down the Spanish Steps in Rome and fled the scene after the vehicle became stuck halfway. He was charged with aggravated damage to cultural heritage and monuments.