Tourist Disrespects Trevi Fountain by Climbing In to Fill Water Bottle
A video of a tourist climbing into Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain to fill her water bottle has gone viral, sparking outrage and calls for stricter measures to protect the famous landmark. The incident, which occurred last month, shows the woman walking over a row of rocks to reach the center of the 18th-century fountain, disregarding the rules and cultural significance of the monument.
Onlookers watched in horror as the tourist proceeded to fill her bottle from one of the fountains’ spouts. It was only when a guard blew a whistle and approached her that the woman attempted to walk away. The guard engaged in a brief discussion with the tourist before escorting her away. The consequences of her actions, such as whether she was arrested or fined, remain unclear.
Entering the Trevi Fountain is strictly prohibited, and tourists can face fines of up to 500 euros for doing so. The fountain is considered one of Rome’s most famous landmarks and holds great cultural significance. Legend has it that throwing a coin into its waters guarantees a return to Rome. Each year, around 1-1.5 million euros in coins are collected from the fountain and donated to the Catholic charity Caritas.
The incident at Trevi Fountain is not an isolated case, as tourists have been criticized for disrespecting Italy’s famous monuments. In June of last year, two American tourists caused $25,000 worth of damage to the Spanish Steps in Rome, and a month earlier, a Saudi visitor drove his rented Maserati down the travertine staircase, damaging two of the steps. Last month, a tourist was filmed apparently carving his name into a wall of Rome’s 2,000-year-old Colosseum, prompting the culture minister to call for a manhunt to identify the culprit.
This recent incident at Trevi Fountain highlights the need for stricter measures to prevent such disrespectful behavior. Calls for installing checkpoints and continuous foot patrols along the surrounding roads have been made to deter tourists from disrespecting the city’s famous monuments. With the number of international visitors to Rome increasing since the end of Covid-19, it is crucial to protect these historical sites and ensure that they are preserved for future generations.
Italy is not the only country facing such issues, as tourists around the world have been engaging in disrespectful behavior at various landmarks. In Venice, tourists routinely swim in its canals, which serve as the city’s sewer system. Last year, two Australians even surfed down the Grand Canal. In northern Italy, a group of young German tourists recently toppled a valuable statue at a villa while taking pictures for social media.
It is imperative that tourists respect the cultural and historical significance of these landmarks and abide by the rules and regulations in place. Otherwise, the preservation and enjoyment of these iconic sites may be compromised, and future generations may be deprived of the opportunity to experience their beauty firsthand.