Italians have erupted in fury after a tourist dove into Rome's historic Trevi Fountain for a swim. The tourist, a 30-year-old from New Zealand, was spotted jumping into the fountain in his clothes. He floated through the water for a few seconds before placing his feet on the fountain's floor and walking around. The tourist then took another plunge, this time turning and performing a lazy backstroke.
He ignored the demands of Rome's police to get out of the water, many of whom had gathered around the fountain. He was eventually taken out and later fined €500 (£436). But few in Italy believed this was a strong enough punishment. One social media user wrote: '€500 is small change. If it was €5,000 they would think about it for a while.' Another said: 'They think they can do anything they want in Italy. The fine should be €5,000.' A third commented: 'Immediate arrest and release on bail. If you don’t pay, you shouldn’t get out.'
A History of Misbehavior at the Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain, built over 30 years in the 18th century, has long been a hotspot for public nuisance. Last year, another tourist was escorted away by Italian police after jumping into the fountain. The smirking tourist, wearing a blue t-shirt and white shorts, leapt into the 264-year-old baroque fountain despite strict rules against entering the water, as hundreds of visitors watched. He was helped out by an onlooker before a policeman intervened as he tried to walk away.
Lukas Vöhser Falcón, 18, from San Agustín, Gran Canaria, captured the moment while holidaying in Rome last July. The mechanical engineering student, traveling across Europe with friends, said: 'Our last stops were Rome and the Amalfi Coast. I was recording a video of the fountain and I saw the man jump in. I think he just did it for fun - but five seconds later the police came and took him. I don't know where - I guess he went to the station. Everyone was so surprised when it happened.'
The recent incident has reignited calls for stricter penalties to deter such behavior at Italy's cultural landmarks.
