A woman was seen climbing over a low barrier to reach the Trevi Fountain in Rome and drawing water from its jets. The moment was captured during July by an eyewitness who filmed a short clip of the event. In the footage, a person scales the fence and rocks toward the center of the landmark, using the fountain’s water jets to fill plastic bottles. A guard then blew a whistle and issued a reprimand, stopping the activity in its tracks.
Signs around the fountain clearly marked the area as restricted, and the observer described the scene as surprising and chaotic. The filmer noted that the incident inspired him to document the moment, emphasizing the remarkable sight of the fountain in operation and the breach of the posted rules.
According to the witness, the individual involved appeared unaware of her error and the consequences of her actions. The Trevi Fountain, designed by Nicolò Salvi and completed in 1762 by architect Giuseppe Pannini, stands as Rome’s largest fountain and one of the most iconic in the world. It attracts around 1,200 visitors per hour, roughly 10.5 million people annually, drawn by its grand sculpture and cascading water.
Earlier in the year, a separate protest action by eco-activists from a group known as Last Generation involved pouring dark paint onto the Trevi Fountain in a high-profile display in the heart of Rome. The incident drew wide attention to the ongoing debate over public spaces, environmental activism, and the means used to convey messages about climate and consumption.
There have been other high-profile moments involving tourist landmarks in recent years, including reports of intoxicated visitors at famous sites abroad. These events underscore ongoing concerns about safety, preservation, and the need for clear, enforced guidelines to protect historic monuments while ensuring a positive experience for visitors from around the world. The Trevi Fountain remains a powerful symbol of Rome’s artistic heritage and a testament to the enduring appeal of public sculpture and urban landscape.