Nude tourist poses on Italian cathedral steps, questioned by Amalfi police

Crazy tourists: The three tourists are reportedly facing charges of 'obscenity in a public place'. Photo / Screenshot; YouTube; Positano News

Three tourists have been accused of committing "obscene acts" at one of Italy's most sacred cathedrals.

A woman, naked except for a red sheet, was spotted shortly before 8am on Monday posing in front of the Amalfi Duomo.

A photographer and assistant were also seen by locals, looking equally awkward but clothed.

Bystanders in Positano were understandably shocked.

"These guys are crazy," said one woman, whose video appeared in local media.

Not expecting to see such a thing in the cathedral piazza, she initially thought it was a distasteful wedding photography shoot.

"I can't understand this crazy behaviour: naked, almost inside the church."

The Amalfi Cathedral, Positano is one of the most holy sites along the popular coastal route. Photo / 123RF.

Police commander Agnese Martingano told Positano News that the shoot was in bad taste and was conducted without a permit.

The scene was apparently an amateur glamour shoot.

The nude model was identified in local media as a Canadian tourist, with her accomplices thought to be UK nationals. The three tourists were reported to the Public Prosecutor's Office in Salerno for public indecency.

If found guilty the trio could face fines of up to 30,000 Euros ($50,000).

The Daily Mail identified the model at the centre of the "instagram stunt" as Canadian-national and "would-be-influencer" Savannah Cross. 28-year old Cross was reportedly assisted by a friend from West Yorkshire, Jemma Hopson. They were both in Italy celebrating a friend's birthday.

The photographer was not named but thought also to be an English national.

Local news site Amalfi Notizie, reported the tourists as saying the photo-shoot was for personal mementos from the trip and not a social media stunt.

Positano is one of the many towns along the famously scenic and busy Amalfi Coast. The SS 163 road is normally full of roadtripping tourists and visitors to the nudist beaches, but they rarely wander into town naked.

Positano on the Amalfi Coast has seen some problematic behaviour from tourists on the SS16. Photo / Jordan Steranka, Unsplash

Last month, two women were caught going for a midnight dip in the Sant'Andrea fountain in Amalfi. Another of Positano's famous landmarks, the baroque 18th fountain is topped by a statue of St Andrew.

American expatriate Laura Thayer told CNN that this summer had been exceptionally busy, with the tourist season stretching out into Autumn. With the barmy weather came equally silly behaviour from tourists.

"Episodes like these are good reminders to be respectful for the places we visit and the people who live there," she said.