Tourists behaving badly in Rome is nothing new, but one New Zealander took it to another level by diving into the historic Trevi Fountain. The incident, which occurred long before the city’s peak tourist season, led to a hefty fine and a lifetime ban from the iconic landmark.
A Reckless Dive into History
On Sunday night, three tourists from New Zealand were stopped as they attempted to wade into the Trevi Fountain, a frequent hotspot for disorderly behavior. While being escorted away, a 30-year-old member of the group managed to break free from the authorities and leaped into the fountain. A spokesperson for Rome’s Capital Police later confirmed, “Alcohol was definitely involved.”
The Consequences of a Drunken Stunt
The reckless tourist was fined 500 euros (approximately $524) and received a lifetime ban from visiting the Trevi Fountain. This landmark, built in 1762, is one of Rome’s most treasured sites and underwent an extensive $330,000 cleaning in 2024. The restoration included repairing marble damage caused by the millions of coins tossed into the fountain every year.
The ‘La Dolce Vita’ Influence
Jumping into the Trevi Fountain isn’t a new idea—many tourists have been inspired by the famous scene in Federico Fellini’s 1960 film La Dolce Vita, where Anita Ekberg waded through the waters in an evening gown. However, modern-day Rome doesn’t take kindly to such reenactments. Each year, about a dozen tourists are fined for dipping everything from their feet to water bottles into the fountain.
Security Measures and Tourist Restrictions
To preserve the landmark, the city of Rome has implemented new restrictions. In 2024, authorities introduced a visitor limit of 400 people in front of the fountain at any given time. Access is regulated between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily, and city officials are considering introducing a small entrance fee. Despite these measures, the New Zealander bypassed the controlled area by climbing over the fountain’s delicate marble sculptures.
More Than Just a Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is not only a work of art but also a major charity contributor. Each year, tourists throw 1.5 million euros worth of coins into its waters. While some attempt to steal these coins, the money is collected daily and donated to charitable causes.
A Costly Lesson for Tourists
The New Zealander’s drunken antics serve as yet another reminder of the strict regulations surrounding Rome’s historic sites. Whether inspired by cinema or simply under the influence, visitors must respect these cultural landmarks or face serious consequences.