Man's most expensive dip: He chose the Trevi Fountain in Rome

Police in Rome had to rescue a man who apparently mistook the Trevi Fountain for a swimming pool, an incident that underscores the overwhelming impact of mass tourism on Italy's historic sites. Responding officers were reportedly unfazed, having previously retrieved individuals who confused the famous monument with a place to swim.

The root of the problem is the intense tourism that plagues Italy. While the industry generates significant revenue and jobs, its unchecked growth has proven detrimental elsewhere. The area around the Trevi Fountain now requires paid entry, a measure by the Eternal City's administration to manage the site's livability, preservation, and visitor safety.

Venice faces an even more severe situation. The city's administration has decided to make the entire historic center accessible only by ticket, in an effort to combat the overwhelming mass tourism that is making life unbearable for residents. Many locals have already left the city, with experts warning that this trend could lead to the depopulation of historic European sites in the long term.

A couple is pictured taking a selfie in front of the Trevi Fountain, a common sight that illustrates the daily reality of these popular tourist destinations.