Rome heatwave impacts historical fountains and tourists

An intense heatwave in Rome is impacting the city's historical monuments and public behavior. A 42-year-old German tourist was fined 450 euros and issued a ban after attempting to cool off by jumping into the Fontana delle Naiadi on Piazza della Repubblica. Local regulations prohibit bathing or diving in the city's historic fountains to prevent damage.

Simultaneously, extreme temperatures have caused biological issues at the Pantheon's Rotonda fountain. High heat led to a rapid proliferation of microalgae, cyanobacteria, and fungi, turning the water yellow and cloudy. The Roman monument authority conducted an urgent cleaning to prevent these microorganisms from penetrating the pores of the marble and travertine surfaces, which could cause long-term structural decay.

Meteorologists indicate the heatwave, driven by a subtropical heat dome, is expected to persist with temperatures reaching up to 39 degrees Celsius through at least August 18.