In an unusual incident, three tourists from New Zealand found themselves in trouble in Rome before the summer season could be blamed for their antics. During an evening out, they attempted to wade into the iconic Trevi Fountain, which is notorious for attracting misbehaviour among visitors.
On Sunday night, as police were escorting the trio away from the fountain, one of the men, aged 30, managed to break free from the officers and leapt into the fountain, prompting a police chase. Authorities confirmed that alcohol played a part in his reckless behaviour. For his actions, he received a hefty fine of €500 (approximately AUD $832) and was subsequently banned from returning to the Baroque landmark for life.
The Trevi Fountain, completed in 1762, is renowned for its breathtaking design and has been meticulously maintained; it underwent a substantial cleaning costing around €330,000 (AUD $523,700) in 2024 to repair damage caused by the millions of coins thrown into the water yearly.
The fountain has long been an elusive aspiration for many tourists, largely inspired by the scene in Federico Fellini’s classic film “La Dolce Vita,” where actress Anita Ekberg famously strolled through its waters in a stunning gown. Each year, several tourists face fines for similar misdemeanours, whether it’s dipping their toes or tossing various objects into the fountain.
Additionally, authorities frequently deal with attempts to pilfer coins, estimated to be worth more than €1.5 million annually, which are collected daily and donated to charity. In a bid to manage tourist traffic, Rome has implemented measures capping visitor numbers at 400 in the area surrounding the fountain during open hours, which are from 9 am to 9 pm. Plans for a potential entry fee are also being considered to further regulate access.
In this incident, the New Zealand tourist circumvented the controlled area, climbing over marble sculptures that adorn the basin to reach the fountain. This reckless behavior highlights the challenges Rome faces in balancing tourism with preservation of its historical sites.