Sat Mar 01 08:35:02 UTC 2025: ## Kiwi Tourist Fined, Banned from Trevi Fountain After Drunken Stunt
**Rome, Italy** – A New Zealand tourist has been fined €500 and banned for life from the Trevi Fountain after a drunken escapade on Sunday, February 23rd. The 30-year-old man, part of a group of three, initially attempted to wade into the iconic fountain before escaping police custody and jumping in. A spokesperson for Rome’s Capital Police confirmed alcohol was a contributing factor. The man bypassed security measures and climbed over marble sculptures to reach the water.
The incident highlights a continuing problem of tourist misbehavior at the Trevi Fountain. Roman police report fining around a dozen tourists annually for actions such as dipping their feet or filling water bottles from the Baroque landmark. Despite its enduring fame, cemented by films like *La Dolce Vita* and *Eat, Pray, Love*, the fountain faces challenges from overtourism. Around €1.5 million in coins, thrown in by visitors wishing for good luck, are collected daily and donated to charity.
To manage the crowds, authorities implemented a system in 2024 limiting access to 400 visitors at a time between 9 AM and 9 PM. The city is also exploring the possibility of introducing a small entrance fee to further address the issue of overtourism.
First Piper 