Rome introduces entry fee for tourists to Trevi Fountain

Rome, December 16 - Tourists will have to pay two euros to enter the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome from January 7. The APA agency reported on the decision of the city hall today, citing local media. The measure is expected to bring in around 20 million euros a year (487 million crowns). Residents of the Italian capital will be able to see the iconic monument for free.

Authorities have been regulating access to the fountain for about a year. A maximum of 400 people are now allowed in the area at any one time. Two separate entrances are to be introduced from January - one for Romans and the other for tourists. Admission will also be possible to pay by credit card.

Tourism Councilor Alessandro Onorato stressed that the aim of this measure is to protect Rome's largest fountain, which is a late Baroque masterpiece by architect Nicola Salvi.

In the first six months of this year alone, 5.3 million people came to visit the Trevi Fountain. It is the second most visited monument in Rome after the Colosseum. According to Onorato, the income from the entrance fee will be invested in improving tourism services.

The fountain became famous thanks to the film by director Federico Fellini, La Dolce Vita, in which the actress Anita Ekberg bathes in it at night. According to superstition, every tourist who wants to ensure his return to the "eternal city" must throw a coin over his shoulder into the fountain. The city hall is trying to protect the attraction with high fines - for example, unauthorized entry into the water can cost unruly visitors up to 450 euros.

WT.24