ROME - A man threw a bucket of red paint or dye into Rome's Trevi Fountain on Friday, coloring the waters of the 18th century monument bright red in front of a crowd of astonished tourists and locals, witnesses said.
Tourists take pictures as the water of the Trevi fountain turned red after an unidentified man reportedly dumped red dye into it and ran away, in Rome, Friday, Oct. 19, 2007. [Agencies] |
The man escaped, leaving the fountain, which normally runs on a closed cycle, spouting red water. Police arrived at the scene and technicians briefly shut off the water before restoring a clear flow.
The monument, designed by architect Nicola Salvi, has been a tourist hotspot since Federico Fellini's 1960 movie "La Dolce Vita," which featured actress Anita Ekberg seductively splashing in the fountain's waters. Many visitors flip a coin into the fountain, as tradition says that doing so promises a prompt return to the Eternal City.
Police officials did not answer calls seeking comment on the incident.
The news agency ANSA reported that a box was found near the fountain containing leaflets by a group that claimed responsibility for the act. The leaflets said the red paint was a protest for expenses incurred in organizing the Rome Film Festival and symbolically referred to the event's red carpet, ANSA reported.