Rewritten Article:
American Tourist Slapped with $450 Fine for Eating and Drinking Near Roman Fountain
Deciding to take a break and grab a snack at the early hours of the morning, a 55-year-old American tourist found himself in hot water when he attempted to have a bite and sip water at the Fontana dei Cattolicani. CNN reported this incident on Saturday local time, revealing that the tourist had violated regulations protecting the historic fountain.
According to the local police, the man's actions were considered a breach of rules since he intended to consume food and beverages within the fountain itself, damaging its integrity. Built between 1588 and 1589 by the renowned architect and sculptor Giacomo della Porta, the Fontana dei Cattolicani was restored in 1997. As part of efforts to safeguard historical fountains and statues, regulations were introduced in the 1970s and have since been updated to focus on maintaining the city's environmental standards.
Recent studies have shown that these regulations are essential to combat the challenges posed by overtourism in Rome, a city that once welcomed around 10 million tourists before the pandemic. To monitor and enforce these rules, the local police carried out over 300 checks over the weekend, highlighting the importance of abiding by the laws to avoid fines or penalties.
In addition to prohibiting eating or drinking near fountains, these regulations also ban street drinking, organize pub crawls, and swimming in Rome's fountains. The police have the power to impose fines and even ban individuals from certain areas for up to 48 hours. Repeat offenders can face longer suspensions.
The aim of these "etiquette" rules is twofold, according to the city council. Primarily, they aim to preserve Rome's rich cultural heritage, but they also address the negative impact of overtourism by attempting to maintain the city's overall quality of life.
In recent years, multiple incidents involving violations of these regulations have made headlines. For instance, an unnamed Saudi Arabian man was arrested in May for driving his Maserati down the famous Spanish Steps and abandoning the vehicle there, while two American tourists were temporarily banned from the city center in June for behaving recklessly with their electric scooters.
To avoid such incidents, tourists visiting Rome are advised to familiarize themselves with these regulations to ensure they respect the city's historical landmarks and preserve the unique charm of the Eternal City.
Enrichment Insights
To avoid fines or penalties in Rome, particularly when interacting with historical fountains, tourists should be aware of the following regulations:
- Trevi Fountain: Swimming in the Trevi Fountain is strictly forbidden, and doing so can result in a fine of €450. Sitting on the fountain edges is generally discouraged to minimize damage and maintain cleanliness, although no specific fines have been mentioned for this violation.
- Spanish Steps: Sitting on the Spanish Steps is prohibited to protect the historic staircase from damage and maintain its cleanliness. Violators can face fines of €250, which can escalate to €400 if the steps are damaged or dirty.
- General Rules: Respecting historical landmarks, including fountains, is crucial. This means avoiding actions that could damage the monuments or disrupt the environment.
- Additional Tips: Attention to signs and instructions from local authorities and tour guides is essential. Additionally, supporting local businesses by dining in restaurants or cafes is encouraged instead of picnicking on busy streets.
By adhering to these regulations, tourists can help preserve Rome's historical and cultural heritage while enjoying their visit to the city.
