Prague, Krakow, Bruges, Salzburg, Vienna ... These are just some of the European cities where horse-drawn carriages can still be seen on the streets. Once a common form of transportation, they have largely disappeared from everyday life, surviving instead as tourist attractions.
But behind the fun rides and historic charm lies a troubling reality: Horses used to entertain visitors are often kept in conditions that can put their welfare at risk. Rome, the capital of Italy, is one of the cities where this centuries-old tradition continues.
In Rome, these carriages are known as “botticelle,” a tradition dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Although their original role was to transport people, the rise of the automobile gradually replaced them as a means of everyday travel. Over time, however, they remained part of Rome’s urban landscape, eventually becoming associated with the city’s tourism industry.
Today, visitors can take rides through the city’s historic streets, with some costing more than 250 euros ($292) for just one hour. Only 16 botticelle remain in the city – about half the number that existed in the past.
But the centuries-old tradition may soon come to an end.
Their future has recently become the subject of growing debate, especially after July 4, when one of the carriage horses collapsed in Rome due to extreme heat. Later that month, on July 29, a bill was brought before Parliament that, if approved, would ban the use of “botticelle.”
Rome has also introduced measures aimed at discouraging visitors from using horse-drawn carriages in areas with a high concentration of tourists. Throughout August, the city will display “A piedi è più bello” (“It’s better on foot”), an awareness campaign promoted by Rocco Ferraro, a Rome Capitale councillor. The campaign, produced in both Italian and English, was conceived, designed and financed entirely with Ferraro’s personal resources, without the use of public funds.
“This is not a campaign against anyone,” Ferraro said. “It is an invitation to be more aware. Every tourist and every citizen can contribute, through a simple choice, to promoting a model of tourism that is more respectful of animals and of the city.”
In Sicily, the city of Palermo is also following Rome’s lead. On July 24, 17 city councillors voted unanimously to approve an amendment rewriting Article 40 of the regulations governing animal-drawn public transportation services.
“Botticelle,” which has long been a tourist symbol of Palermo as well, will now begin a process of replacement with electric vehicles. The municipal administration will have 180 days to develop an operational plan for the conversion.
“In Italy, horse-drawn carriages continue to cause the suffering of thousands of equines. To put an end to this practice, it is necessary to recognize them as companion animals,” argues the organization Animal Equality.
The bill has not yet been approved, meaning the botticelle continue to operate in the city. Their future therefore remains uncertain. As concerns over animal welfare, particularly the effects during the extreme summer heat, continue to grow, pressure for changes to the current system is also increasing.
Given the welfare concerns surrounding these animals, they should not be used simply as a form of entertainment for tourists, especially when cities such as Rome and Palermo offer countless other ways for visitors to experience their heritage, architecture and local traditions.
