Rome’s Trevi Fountain, a symbol of the city’s baroque beauty and a magnet for thousands of tourists each day, became the scene of unexpected chaos when an 18-year-old visitor leapt into its waters.
The stunt, caught by onlookers, quickly drew police attention and left visitors stunned.
Tourist Ignites a Stir in Crowds
The young man, wearing a blue t-shirt and white shorts, jumped into the 263-year-old fountain despite strict rules forbidding entry into the water.
Crowds of tourists gasped as he splashed around, apparently treating the historic landmark like a swimming pool.
An onlooker helped the man out of the fountain, but as he attempted to walk away, Italian police quickly intervened.
The incident unfolded on July 27 and was captured on video by Lukas Vöhser Falcón, an engineering student from Gran Canaria, who was visiting Rome with friends.
Eyewitness Recounts the Moment
Falcón described the bizarre scene, saying, “I was recording a video of the fountain when I saw the man jump in.
I think he just did it for fun, but five seconds later the police came and took him. Everyone was so surprised when it happened.”
The student, who was traveling across Europe, said their final stops were Rome and the Amalfi Coast, making the incident an unforgettable moment of their trip.
Trevi Fountain’s Long History of Public Mischief
The Trevi Fountain, constructed over 30 years in the 18th century, has a long history of attracting troublemakers.
Police records show multiple incidents of tourists ignoring the rules, from jumpers to climbers to activists.
Earlier this year, a New Zealander living in London was fined €500 (£430) after being pursued by police for jumping into the fountain.
In June, a 27-year-old Ukrainian man was tackled by police while attempting to climb a marble horse, earning a €1,000 (£860) fine and a ban from Rome.
Activist Stunts Add to Fountain’s Drama
In 2023, seven climate activists from the group Last Generation climbed into the fountain and poured vegetable-based charcoal dye into the waters to protest fossil fuel funding.
The iconic landmark has become a backdrop for both public pranks and political demonstrations, highlighting the challenges of protecting such a historic site.
Tourist Tradition Meets Modern Crowds
Despite the mischief, the Trevi Fountain remains a beloved tourist destination.
Tossing a coin into the fountain to make a wish is a tradition that has been practiced for decades, generating around €10,000 (£8,300) weekly for charity in the past.
To manage the enormous crowds, city authorities recently introduced a queuing system, limiting visitors to 400 at a time.
Before the restrictions, the fountain welcomed up to 12,000 visitors a day.
Alcohol Likely Played a Role
Rome police noted that alcohol appeared to be a factor in the latest incident. .
The young man, accompanied by two friends, initially tried to evade officers but ultimately ended up in the water, creating a spectacle that will be remembered by the tourists present for years to come.
