The Trevi Fountain stands as one of Rome's most iconic landmarks, a Baroque masterpiece from the mid-18th century and the city's largest fountain. Its grandeur draws millions of visitors annually. However, the common sight of tourists savoring gelato while admiring it will soon end. On June 12, 2017, Mayor Virginia Raggi enacted a new ordinance prohibiting eating, drinking, or sitting on the rims of Rome's 15 most famous fountains. This builds on longstanding rules against climbing, bathing, washing clothes or pets, or throwing anything but coins into them.
Violations carry fines from €40 to €240, as reported by the Associated Press and cited by The Local. The measures, effective late October 2017, follow troubling events: a man stripped and bathed naked in the Trevi Fountain that spring, and Dutch soccer fans shattered bottles in the Barcaccia Fountain. "Everyone must respect Rome's beauty [...] We must protect our city—good manners are essential," Mayor Raggi stated. She also plans enhanced monitoring around Rome's churches, popular picnic spots for tourists. Protecting such invaluable heritage benefits residents and visitors alike.
