A tourist accused of carving names into Rome's Colosseum claims he was unaware of the structure's "antiquity."

 

A letter of apology has been handed to the local prosecutor's office by the visitor who was seen on camera seemingly writing his name on the Colosseum wall in Rome late last month, according to his defence attorney, who spoke to CNN on Thursday.

The suspected offender said in his letter to the prosecution, "I admit with the deepest regret that only after what regrettably happened, I learned of the antiquity of the monument," according to his attorney, Alexandro Maria Tirelli, who spoke to CNN. According to the tourist's attorney, his name is Ivan Dimitrov.

The act of Dimitrov apparently scratching "Ivan+Hayley 23" on a brick wall of one of the most priceless structures in the world was captured on camera last week.

The prosecutor's office has been contacted by CNN to confirm receipt of the letter, but no answer has been received as of yet.

The attorney claimed that the letter was also addressed to the city of Rome, but the Rome mayor's office informed CNN that they had not.

The prosecutor's office in Rome is looking into the tourist for causing damage to cultural property, the attorney said.

Additionally, the attorney stated that they are seeking a plea agreement.

Last Monday, the military police unit known as the Carabinieri tweeted that they had "identified the person presumed to be responsible for the uncivilised and absurd act committed at the Colosseum." Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano.

"An act that offended everyone [who] across the globe who appreciates the value of archaeology, of monuments, and of history," he continued.

His tweet verified that "Ivan and Hayley" are believed to be the names of the traveller and his girlfriend, who was seen watching while he engraved their names.

According to the Italian state media RAI and CNN affiliate SkyTG24, the visitor may be fined up to 5,000 euros ($5,400) and sentenced to 15 days in prison.