A tourist took sightseeing too far in Rome last month as they climbed one of the ancient city’s most famous landmarks.
Onlookers watched in shock as she entered and exited the fountain, which approximately 1,000 tourists are estimated to visit every hour.
After the bottle is filled, the woman balances on uneven stones as she makes her way out of the fountain and back to the viewing area, where other tourists stand.
A police officer wearing a bright yellow vest that read “Polizia Roma Capitale” had blown her whistle as the woman exited the fountain. The guard then approached the tourist and after a short conversation, escorted her away from the landmark.
According to aTripAdvisor review, in 2016 another tourist similarly, decided to forgo the usual sightseeing route and opted to take a dip in the fountain. That individual recounted that officials will fine any individual who enters the fountain €450, about $491. The reviewer called it “one of the most unique and beautiful souvenirs,” despite the hefty financial consequences.
The fountain is known for a legend that promises if a tourist throws a coin into its pool they’ll return to the city in the future.
Atlantide Phototravel/Getty
This year, tourism rates in Rome, as well as other popular European destinations like Barcelona, Spain, and Santorini, Greece, are estimated to exceed those of 2019, pre-pandemic, according to a report from theAssociated Press.
American travelers are largely to thank for the upswing in tourism, the outlet reported, as the strong U.S. dollar value motivated many to take long-awaited trips.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Despite the volume of tourists, many visitors aren’t letting the busyness stop them.
“The crowds don’t deter us,” Lauren Gonzalez, 25, told the outlet. “We live in Florida. We have all been to Disney World in the heat. We are all good.”
source: people.com
