Tourist Escorted Away After Climbing Trevi Fountain to Fill Water Bottle
Rome, Italy – In a bizarre incident on July 18, a tourist scaled the iconic Trevi Fountain in Rome to collect water in her bottle, defying the city’s laws and causing outrage among locals and authorities. The incident occurred during the hottest month ever recorded in July, with widespread heatwaves affecting southern Europe.
The Trevi Fountain, an 18th-century landmark, is one of the most famous attractions in Rome, drawing millions of tourists each year. The fountain features a long, simple spout and is renowned for its clear, turquoise water. However, drinking and bathing in the city’s fountains have been strictly prohibited since 2018.
The law didn’t deter this daring tourist, who climbed across the fountain to collect water. A yellow-vested guard promptly escorted the trespasser out of the premises, but not before the incident was caught on video and quickly went viral on social media.
This incident is just one of many involving badly behaved tourists at Italian monuments. Previous incidents included a traveler carving love notes into the Colosseum and another knocking down a 150-year-old sculpture worth about 200,000 euros.
The culture around water in Europe is notably different from that in the United States, leading to complaints from American travelers about the lack of accessible water in European cities. In the U.S., it is common for restaurants to provide free ice water, which is not the case in Europe. However, European cities have public water fountains scattered throughout, providing clean and drinkable water to locals and tourists alike.
In Rome, an interactive map on the Waidy app from Italian water provider Acea can be used to locate public water sources. Even at restaurants, there are ways to obtain tap water for free, such as asking for a glass of water or tap water directly. In some countries, like Spain, restaurants are legally required to provide free tap water upon request.
While the incident at the Trevi Fountain may have been fueled by the scorching temperatures, tourists are urged to respect local laws and customs. Insisting on tap water and asking for ice, which are common practices in the United States, may be seen as “American” and not always well-received. It is essential to be aware of cultural differences and to prioritize respectful behavior while traveling.
As the tourism industry grapples with increasing numbers of visitors and the potential for cultural clashes, authorities and travel influencers are continuously reminding tourists to be mindful of local rules and traditions. Ignoring these guidelines not only leads to legal consequences but also perpetuates a negative image of tourists in foreign countries.
Travelers are advised to familiarize themselves with local customs, stay hydrated through appropriate means, and enjoy their experiences in a respectful and responsible manner.