by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:25 AM ET, Thu June 15, 2017
The mayor of Rome approved a new order Monday that bans eating and drinking near the popular tourist destination's historic fountains throughout the summer travel season.
According to The Local, the office of Mayor Virginia Raggi revealed that the new rules would ban activities such as eating, drinking, washing pets, swimming or climbing on the fountain landmarks.
The ban was put into place in order to protect the "historical, artistic and archaeological" landmarks found throughout the Italian city.
While tourists and locals are still permitted to throw small change into the fountains, any other items including water or other liquids have been banned. The new rules will be in place until the end of October.
Anyone caught breaking the new rules will be fined between 40 and 240 Euros by local law enforcement. The ban applies to around 15 fountains found in key tourist locations, including Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Navona, Piazza Barberini, Piazza del Popolo, Trastevere's Piazza Santa Maria and Piazza della Madonna dei Monti.
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Fountains in Rome were used in the past for bathing and washing clothes, but an increase in police presence near the historical sites has deterred many visitors and locals from breaking the rules and entering the water.
In addition, Rome has banned eating and drinking at other historic and cultural sites, including the Spanish Steps. Florence is also working to crack down on tourists who use its landmarks to have impromptu picnics.
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