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Rome Fines New Zealand Tourist €500 for Diving Into Trevi Fountain

The episode renews pressure for tougher penalties to protect the overcrowded Baroque landmark.

Overview

  • A 30-year-old visitor from New Zealand dove into the Trevi Fountain on Monday, ignored police orders, was removed by officers, and was fined €500.
  • Footage shared on TikTok and other platforms shows him jumping in fully clothed and even doing a backstroke as crowds looked on.
  • The stunt drew strong criticism online, with many arguing the fine was too low and calling for larger penalties or arrest.
  • Some outlets report the man was also banned from the site, though that ban has not been widely confirmed by authorities.
  • Rome has faced repeat breaches at the 18th-century fountain and introduced a €2 entry fee this winter to ease crowding and fund upkeep, generating more than €1.3 million in three months.