This Controversial Tourist Trap In Italy Is A Lose-Lose For People And Animals

Riding through the cobbled streets of Rome on horse-drawn carriages, known as "botticelle," may sound like an idyllic way to see the sights, but this is one unethical tourist attraction you should never do. This outdated method of getting around is extremely stressful for the horse, both physically and psychologically. And while you're snapping photos, the horse pulling you may be suffering from the heat, traffic pollution, and hard surfaces. Not to mention towing a heavy carriage that can weigh around 1,700 pounds — and that's before people even climb into it. It's enough to make an overworked horse collapse, which happened in 2012 when a horse succumbed to heat exhaustion next to the Spanish Steps. Police had to intervene to stop the driver from trying to whip his horse back to work, and the animal eventually passed away. Unfortunately, this tragic situation is not an isolated incident.

This exploitative practice is one of many tourist traps to avoid in Italy, and it doesn't hold much benefit for you either. Rides can be expensive, sometimes costing up to $400 for a couple of hours, and they tend to be slow, so you don't actually see that much. It can also be dangerous sharing roads with fast-moving city traffic, and accidents have occurred where both horses and passengers have been injured.

Public concern led to a motion being passed in 2020 to move the botticelle off busy streets and into parks and historic villa grounds. It has been proposed that they should follow established routes and stop every 45 minutes, working no more than seven hours per day. They should also not work between midday and 5:30 p.m. in July and August, or any time it is above 86°Fahrenheit. However, the motion hasn't yet passed into law, and animal welfare groups continue to campaign for a complete ban.

There are plenty of ethical alternative types of transport you can use to see Rome's most popular tourist destinations. Its a famously walkable city, and wandering around on foot means you're more likely to find hidden courtyards and lesser-known ruins. If you prefer something more structured, join a walking tour or take your time with a self-guided audio tour. A food and wine walking tour is the perfect way to sample some local specialities, including delicious gelato. And if you'd rather rest your feet, electric golf carts are a humane alternative that are becoming more popular in Rome. Cycling is another easy way to get around, and e-bikes are ideal if you're tackling hills or long distances. You'll find plenty of rental offices in the city.

In Brussels, Belgium, electric horse-free carriages have been introduced for sightseeing tours, setting a standard in sustainable tourism. "It's something new but with respect for heritage," said Brussels' commerce alderman, Fabian Maingain. As botticelle are a centuries-old tradition in Rome, electric carriages might be the perfect solution for the Eternal City as well.

For a quicker, but not so scenic way around, you could always use the metro, trams, or buses. You may miss out on some of the sights, but it's a cheap way to cross the city, with day passes available. And of course, there are taxis; in fact, horse-carriage drivers in Rome have been offered the chance to convert to a taxi permit so that they can continue working without using horses. If you fancy seeing the sights of Rome from a more breezy perspective, consider a boat tour. The Rome Squares and Fountains Tour takes you along the River Tiber, where you can hop on and off at a choice of iconic landmarks.