Italy is moving toward a major change in urban tourism, and the debate is already making waves across Europe news. A new bill presented in Italy’s Chamber of Deputies would ban traditional horse-drawn tourist carriages, known as botticelle, in Rome and other historic cities, marking a significant moment for animal welfare, tourism policy and city transport.
The proposal targets one of Rome’s most recognisable tourist traditions, but supporters say the issue is no longer symbolic. They argue that modern traffic, rising summer heat and hard road surfaces make carriage work unsuitable for horses in busy city centres.
Europe news: Italy pushes national ban on botticelle
The draft legislation was introduced on Wednesday afternoon and is backed by members of the Democratic Party, Green and Left Alliance, and the Five Star Movement. If approved, it would remove Article 70 of Italy’s Highway Code, the rule that currently allows public hire services using animal-drawn vehicles.
In practical terms, the bill would prohibit the use of animals to pull vehicles for:
- Public hire transport
- Non-scheduled public transport
- Tourist rides
- Recreational activities
- Ceremonial services in urban settings
Supporters of the measure say local restrictions have not gone far enough. Some municipalities have already limited carriage working hours during heatwaves, but campaigners insist only a nationwide law can fully end the practice in cities.
Why Rome’s horse-drawn carriages are under pressure
Backers of the bill say today’s city conditions are fundamentally different from those in which the botticelle tradition began. Heavy traffic, crowded tourist routes and extreme heat have become central concerns.
According to supporters, the welfare concerns include:
- Scorching asphalt during summer heatwaves
- Long hours in congested traffic
- Noise and stress in dense urban areas
- Road conditions that are poorly suited to horses
Animal welfare advocates have argued for years that municipal ordinances are not enough, especially during increasingly intense Mediterranean summers. The latest push comes as Rome and other Italian cities continue to deal with high temperatures affecting both residents and visitors.
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Awareness campaign to reshape tourist habits
Alongside the proposed law, Rome officials are preparing an awareness campaign titled A piedi è più bello, or “It’s nicer on foot.” The campaign will appear throughout August in key tourist zones of the capital and will be published in both Italian and English.
The message is clear: visitors can experience Rome better by walking rather than taking horse-drawn carriage rides. Officials backing the campaign say it supports a more sustainable and humane model of tourism while encouraging slower exploration of the city’s historic streets.
This aspect of the story is likely to resonate beyond Italy, particularly for audiences following irish news, travel regulation and city sustainability debates across Europe.
What the proposed ban could mean for tourism
If the bill passes, one of Rome’s oldest tourist trades could disappear from city streets. Supporters see that as overdue modernisation, while critics may view it as the loss of a long-standing cultural image associated with Italian tourism.
Still, lawmakers in favour of the move say the future of tourism should balance heritage with ethics. Their position is that a capital city in 2026 should not depend on horses pulling carriages in intense heat and modern traffic conditions.
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FAQs
What are botticelle?
Botticelle are traditional horse-drawn carriages used mainly for tourist rides in Rome and some other Italian cities.
Why does Italy want to ban them?
The proposed ban is centred on animal welfare concerns, especially heat, traffic stress and unsuitable urban road conditions.
Would the ban apply only to Rome?
No. The bill is designed as a national measure that could affect horse-drawn tourist carriage services in multiple Italian cities.
Conclusion
This developing story is one of the most talked-about items in Europe news because it touches on heritage, law, tourism and animal rights all at once. If Italy approves the measure, Rome’s famous carriage rides may soon become history, replaced by a new vision of city tourism that puts welfare and walkability first.
