Last month in Rome, a sightseeing incident grabbed attention when a tourist took their exploration to extreme heights. The incident unfolded in July, when a woman’s audacious act was captured on video by another observer. The focal point of this daring escapade was none other than the historic Trevi Fountain, an 18th-century masterpiece that stands as one of the city’s renowned landmarks. The Trevi Fountain is not only a symbol of history but also a favored destination for tourists.
The video, which circulated on TikTok, showcases the tourist’s unconventional ascent into the monument. Dressed in a blue shirt and white capri pants, she can be seen positioning an empty plastic bottle beneath one of the fountain’s graceful waterfalls. With a seemingly bold intent, she captures water from the cascading spout, filling the bottle.
This spectacle didn’t go unnoticed by onlookers, who watched in astonishment as she maneuvered in and out of the fountain’s confines. Notably, the Trevi Fountain witnesses an estimated influx of around 1,000 visitors per hour, making it a hub of tourist activity.
Having achieved her mission of collecting the water, the woman navigated the uneven stones within the fountain to reach its periphery. Here, alongside fellow tourists, she balanced herself, still holding the filled bottle.
However, the escapade was not without consequences. A vigilant police officer, easily identifiable by the bright yellow “Polizia Roma Capitale” vest, intervened. With a sharp blast of the whistle, the officer signaled her to halt as she exited the fountain. A brief exchange ensued between the officer and the tourist before she was escorted away from the revered landmark.
This incident serves as a reminder of the boundary between exploration and preservation, prompting both applause for audacity and a pause for thought about respecting cultural and historical treasures.
@perrinebridge What is this lady thinking?! Video credit to @lex #trevifountain #italy #rome #romeitaly #trevi ♬ original sound – Walmart Jason Statham
As per a TripAdvisor review, back in 2016, a fellow traveler took an unconventional approach, bypassing the typical sightseeing itinerary in favor of an immersive experience – a spontaneous dip in the fountain. The individual in question shared an account of their escapade, revealing that local authorities impose a substantial €450 fine, roughly equivalent to $491, for anyone venturing into the fountain’s waters. Interestingly, the reviewer’s perspective diverged from the expected, describing this audacious act as “an exceptional and exquisite keepsake,” even in the face of the notable financial penalties.
The fountain boasts a renowned legend of its own: the pledge that casting a coin into its pool guarantees the tosser’s eventual return to the city. This adds an enchanting layer to the landmark, elevating it beyond its architectural significance to embody a beacon of hope for all who partake in its traditions.
In the current year, Rome, along with other sought-after European locations such as Barcelona in Spain and Santorini in Greece, is anticipated to witness tourism levels surpassing those of 2019, the pre-pandemic era. This projection stems from a report by the Associated Press.
The driving force behind this resurgence in tourism, as noted by the report, primarily lies with American visitors. The allure of a robust U.S. dollar value has acted as a catalyst, inspiring many to embark on journeys that they had been eagerly anticipating.
Amidst the influx of tourists, a significant number of visitors remain undeterred by the bustling atmosphere.
Lauren Gonzalez, aged 25, shared her perspective on the matter, stating, “The crowds don’t discourage us. We’re from Florida, and we’ve all experienced the heat and the crowds at Disney World. We’re used to it.”