The drought crisis in Italy has forced authorities to shut down some of its most popular tourist landmarks.
Around 100 fountains have been switched off in the Vatican to conserve precious water for Rome.
Two famous Baroque structures in St Peter’s Square are included on the list.
The drought has been fuelled by intense summer heat and two years of below-average rainfall.
In July alone, Rome received 72 per cent less rain than usual, with June reporting 72 per cent less.
It’s the first time Vatican authorities can remember being forced to turn off the fountains, according to spokesman Greg Burke.
He said: “This is the Vatican’s way of living solidarity with Rome, trying to help Rome get through this crisis.
“This decision is very much in line with the pope’s thinking on ecology: you can’t waste and sometimes you have to be willing to make a sacrifice.”
On its website, the Vatican wrote: “The drought that is affecting the city of Rome and the surrounding areas of the capital has led the Holy See to take measures to save water.
“The Governorate of Vatican City State has decided to turn off all the fountains, both the external ones located in St. Peter’s Square, and the interior fountains including those in the Vatican Gardens.”
Rome has already switched off many of its 2,800 drinking fountains as tourists descend on the Italian city for the peak summer period.
The taps scattered across the ancient city dispense water at all times to help combat the sweltering summer.
