Climate activists have climbed into the Trevi Fountain in Rome and poured black liquid into the water. With their action in the place popular with tourists in the center of the Italian capital, the members of the group Ultima Generazione (Last Generation) called for "an immediate end to public subsidies for all fossil fuels," according to a statement. Four activists dumped charcoal diluted with water into the well and displayed banners. They were subsequently arrested by the police and taken away, as seen in pictures and videos.

According to the group, it also protested against the Italian government's climate policy, which is doing too little to protect the climate. Among other things, this is "the cause of the climate crisis that has afflicted Emilia-Romagna and Marche in recent days". Flooding occurred in the area after heavy rains with at least 14 deaths.

Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri strongly condemned the action. He appealed to the activists to refrain from such actions. They damaged valuable monuments and harmed the environment, Gualtieri, who came to the Trevi Fountain immediately after the incident, told journalists on Sunday afternoon. Gualtieri belongs to the left-wing party PD and has been mayor of the Italian capital since 2021.

Mayor: "You can protest, but not in this way"

The police and fire brigade were distracted from other important tasks for hours; 300,000 litres of water would have to be replaced and a lot of energy would have to be used to limit the damage, Gualtieri explained, adding: "You can protest, it's legitimate and even necessary. But not in this way! This is dangerous and harmful and destroys valuable cultural assets that belong to the general public."

With a height of 26 meters and a width of 49 meters, the Trevi Fountain is the largest fountain in Rome and also one of the most famous in the world. It is considered a masterpiece of the Baroque. The architect Nicola Salvi created it in the 18th century on behalf of Pope Clement XII.

The activists have already demonstrated at other famous fountains in the city. In the past, for example, they poured black liquid into a fountain at the famous Spanish Steps. They also smeared the façade of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence with orange paint. Likewise, works of art have already been targeted.

In view of these actions, Italy's government announced a tougher stance against climate activists. It wants to punish vandalism of cultural property more severely with the payment of damages of 10,000 to 60,000 euros and criminal sanctions.