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Tourists snacking by Rome fountains face hundreds in fines

June 13, 2017

Tourists climbing on Rome's historic fountains or using them as picnic sites will face fines ranging from 40 to 240 euros (45 to 270 dollars), Mayor Virginia Raggi announced Monday, in a bid to preserve public decorum.

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Italien Trevi-Brunnen in Rom
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/D. Hahn

Raggi had for weeks been under pressure to take action, amid multiple reports of people bathing in, snacking by, or mounting the precious masterpieces such as the Trevi Fountain, the Barcaccia by the Spanish Steps, or the Lions Fountain in Piazza del Popolo.

Raggi's decree, valid until October 31, bans "any conduct incompatible with the natural purpose" of the fountains, including the washing of clothes and animals, but makes exceptions for the traditional ritual of coin throwing.

Several Italian cities are struggling to cope with mass tourism, especially in the summer. In Florence, Mayor Dario Nardella has recently decided to hose down with water pavements and steps of famous churches to stop tourists from camping out on them.

ak/st (dpa)