Rome to build a barrier around the iconic Trevi Fountain
Mamma mia.
Rome's city council just approved a resolution to set up barriers surrounding the iconic Trevi Fountain. Officials are hoping that it will curtail some risky and dangerous behavior from tourists. Think: Recreating the famous scene from "La Dolce Vita," among other troubling actions. Police have been doing their best to ban people from sitting on the famous monument for about a year, but this more permanent motion will take it a step further.
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As The Telegraph notes, the motion was passed almost unanimously. It calls for "respect for the symbolic parts of Roma Capitale," as well as new provisions that restrict unauthorized street sellers around major tourist attractions, such as the Colosseum.
But not all locals are thrilled by the decision. As Matador Network reports, Italian architect and historian Paolo Portoghesi is one of the many that are opposed to it. He said, "Installing a barrier seems like a frightening offense to the beauty of a masterpiece that gives itself generously to those who observe it."
This is just the latest in Italy's crackdown on tourists behaving badly. Back in 2017, the city banned "frolicking" in the famed fountain. Just this past summer, the city also passed some ordinances limiting pub crawls and even wheeling chunky suitcases down staircases. As of 2018, Rome banned drinking on public streets after 10 p.m., as well as prohibited bars from serving alcohol from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. Venice also began to crack down on tourists drinking in public back in 2018.
That said, Italy is at the top of so many traveler's must-see lists, and it's no wonder why. The food, people and culture are truly top-notch. Check out our guide on how to get there using points and miles, and put all the money you're saving toward some of the best pizza, pasta and gelato you'll ever have.
Just please, be a good tourist, would you?
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