Animal rights activists have long called for an end to the botticelle tradition in the Italian capital.
Rome’s horse-drawn carriages, known as botticelle, have been a symbol of old-world charm in the city for centuries, often featuring in tourism brochures and wedding photos. But what once appeared as a romantic tradition now raises growing concerns about animal welfare, urban safety and ethical tourism.
In recent years, incidents involving carriage horses collapsing in the street or being injured in traffic have sparked debate over whether botticelle still belong in the Eternal City.
The answer – we argue – is no.
A tradition at odds with today’s values
Defenders of horse-drawn carriages often invoke tradition. But not all traditions remain acceptable in the light of modern awareness. The daily reality for Rome’s carriage horses involves working long hours, often under extreme heat, on uneven cobblestones and amid heavy traffic.
Horses, by nature, are sensitive animals. They are easily startled, and the noise and chaos of a busy city centre can place them under constant physical and psychological stress. These are not the conditions in which animals should be made to work, especially not for entertainment.
Over the years there have been numerous clashes between carriage drivers and animal rights’ activists who describe the city’s streets as a “cruel” working environment for the horses.
Documented incidents in the streets of Rome
Rome has seen several high-profile incidents involving the collapse or injury of carriage horses. In 2019 a horse slipped and fell on Via Condotti after reportedly losing balance on a manhole cover. The driver continued working despite calls from bystanders to allow veterinary care. The episode reignited widespread criticism from animal-rights groups and the general public.
A similar event occurred in 2014, when a horse collapsed near Via del Corso. In 2012 a horse collapsed from heat exhaustion near the Spanish Steps during a summer heatwave, reportedly after being forced to pull a carriage with six tourists in temperatures approaching 40°C. The incident made headlines after the driver attempted to whip the horse back to work and only stopped following the intervention of police. Last year a carriage horse was injured after a collision with a private hire vehicle near the Roman Forum.
One of the most serious incidents dates back to 2008, when a horse called Birillo was killed after being struck by a truck near the Colosseum. These are not isolated cases, but part of a repeated pattern that raises concerns about both animal suffering and public safety.
Incompatible with a modern city
From a city planning perspective, botticelle create disruption. They are slow-moving and often block intersections, pedestrian paths, and bike lanes. In a city already struggling with traffic and pollution, their presence adds a layer of impracticality to daily urban life.
Moreover they stand in contrast to Rome’s growing efforts to modernise public transport, promote cycling and reduce carbon emissions. Horse-drawn carriages are not only outdated, they’re out of step with Rome’s future.
Weak regulations and partial measures
Rome’s municipal government has taken some steps to address the problem in recent years. Regulations prohibit carriage horses from being put to work between 13.00 and 17.00 in the summer and they are forbidden from working more than six hours a day.
There have also been proposals – which came to nothing in the end – to move the botticelle off the streets and into parks.
However these measures still fall short. Relocation to parks may mitigate some immediate risks, but it does not solve the underlying ethical issue: whether animals should be used at all for tourism in this way. Enforcement of regulations is inconsistent, and loopholes continue to leave horses vulnerable.
Viable alternatives already exist
Cities such as Barcelona and Brussels have already banned horse-drawn carriages from public roads, opting instead for electric carriages that mimic the look of traditional models without exploiting animals. Rome could follow this example, offering visitors a scenic experience that aligns with modern values, by reviving plans to swap horse-drawn carriages for electric vehicles.
Transition plans could include support for current botticelle drivers, ensuring that those who rely on the trade for income are not left behind. The city has already offered botticelle drivers the option to switch to a taxi licence.
A chance for Rome to lead
Rome prides itself on being a living city—not just a museum of its past. Protecting its historic character should not come at the expense of animal suffering or urban functionality. Ending the use of horse-drawn carriages in city traffic is not an attack on heritage. It’s a necessary act of progress—one rooted in compassion, common sense and civic responsibility.
Rome has an opportunity to take a clear, humane stance and show that even the most ancient of cities can move forward.
