This is what you won't be allowed to do in Rome soon

This might actually change your holiday behaviour

rome fountains
(Image credit: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock)

This might actually change your holiday behaviour

It doesn't matter how many times you've been to Rome, you'll find yourself sat around the Trevi fountain.

When you think of Italy as a holiday destination, you think of aperitivo (you know, that heavenly moment when you pay five euros for a glass of wine and get given a plate of complimentary delicious Italian appetisers to go with it), pasta and of course, that al fresco life around the piazzas and fountains.

Because when in Rome, you buy a gelato and you eat it by a fountain, right!?

Well, a few weeks ago, Florence authorities announced that they were hosing down the steps of their historic buildings to stop tourists from sitting down and eating on them and now Rome is going to do the same.

The city has just declared a ban on anyone eating or drinking around their city's famous fountains. The city's mayor, Virginia Raggi, has also just signed off a rule that will ban anyone from climbing in, swimming or washing themselves or their pets in 15 of their fountains. Ignore the new rule and you could be facing a fine of around 240 euros if the newly upped police presence there catch you.

The ban is set to remain until the end of October with the aim to preserve the historical city's decorum.

Fountains where the regulations will apply

Piazza di Spagna

Piazza Navona

Piazza Barberini

Piazza del Popolo

Trastevere’s Piazza Santa Maria

Piazza della Madonna dei Monti

The Trevi fountain

Sites where al fresco dining is now forbidden

The Spanish Steps

The Barcaccia fountain

And, under this rule, you won't be allowed to throw anything into the fountain either with the exception of throwing coins into the Trevi Fountain so at least you can still make that wish!

Delphine Chui