Rome considers extreme measures to protect Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is considered one of the must-see attractions in Rome, and many tourists flock there yearly to throw a coin into the fountain.
Bad behaviour from tourists though may be responsible for a heavy-handed response from Rome’s city council to protect the iconic structure which could ruin the experience for others.
In 2019, an American tourist was caught bathing in the fountain, another woman was stopped from carving the fountain with a key and three drunk Australians were caught pouring their drinks into the fountain.
The fountain, which was built in 1762, is one of the most popular spots in Rome and is surrounded by tourists following the tradition of tossing three coins over their shoulders into the water.
One politician has an idea on how to protect the icon: barriers.
"Rome is one of the richest cities for culture in the world, and a heritage like this must be respected and protected," Andrea Coia, president of the business committee of Rome’s city council motion reads.
"We need to favour a more respectful kind of tourism in the city's symbolic places."
He has suggested that a “protective barrier” that would “prohibit people sitting on the edge of the fountain”.
"I put forward the motion because the symbolic places of our city need more control and attention," Coia told CNN Travel, adding that his suggested Trevi Fountain checkpoints would be on the access roads "to safeguard decorum and security."
He said that the measures would "safeguard one of the world's most beautiful places and assure a better experience for those who want to enjoy it."
Scroll through the gallery to see why the barriers around the fountain might not be such a bad idea.