In a shocking incident captured on video, a tourist in Italy has gone viral after she was seen trespassing and climbing into Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain to fill up her water bottle. The footage, taken by witness Lex Jones last month, shows a woman dressed in a blue shirt and wearing a cap braving the rocks that surround the 18th-century landmark. Despite signs explicitly stating that climbing or touching the fountain is prohibited, the woman defiantly crosses over the stones and positions her water bottle underneath the famous fountain's spout.
Stunned onlookers can be seen in the video, watching in disbelief as the woman proceeds with her audacious act. A security guard, alerted by the commotion, is seen blowing her whistle and rushing towards the trespasser. The guard confronts the woman and escorts her away, presumably to face some form of punishment. The exact consequences she faced remain unclear.
Jones, who filmed the incident, expressed his astonishment at what he witnessed. He explained that the fountain was crowded at the time, and he couldn't resist capturing the bizarre scene on camera. He recalls seeing numerous signs warning against such behavior, but the woman seemed undeterred by these warnings.
The Trevi Fountain, standing at an impressive 85 feet high, is one of Rome's most iconic landmarks. It attracts millions of tourists each year, who visit to throw coins into the fountain as a gesture of good luck. According to Italian legend, those who toss coins into the fountain's waters will return to Rome someday.
However, this incident is not an isolated case of tourist disrespect towards Rome's historical monuments. In June, two American tourists caused $25,000 worth of damage to the Spanish Steps by pushing and throwing their electric scooters down the iconic structure. Additionally, a tourist was caught earlier this summer using a key to carve his and his girlfriend's names into the Colosseum, another testament to the increasing disregard shown by some international visitors.
Trespassing at the Trevi Fountain can result in heavy fines of up to 500 euros, according to the guidelines outlined on Rome's airport website. The guidelines emphasize that it is better and more economical to appreciate the fountain from a safe distance. The recent incidents have raised concerns about the need for tourists to show respect for Rome's historical sites and adhere to the regulations in place.
Lonely Planet, a popular travel website, describes the Trevi Fountain as one of Rome's most famous attractions. On a daily basis, thousands of visitors flock to the site, with many participating in the tradition of throwing coins into the water. According to Lonely Planet, approximately $3,250 is thrown into the fountain each day.
The video of the woman trespassing and filling her water bottle in the Trevi Fountain serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting cultural heritage and following rules and guidelines in popular tourist destinations. Authorities in Rome continue to enforce strict regulations to ensure the preservation and integrity of these historic landmarks.
