Rome: Trevi Fountain Soon Accessible Only with Ticket?

The city of Rome is thinking about introducing an entrance fee for the Trevi Fountain. The measure is expected to bring the city administration revenues of around 20 million euros, reported the daily newspaper "Corriere della Sera" on Tuesday.

No official decision from the city administration yet

The paper reported that tourists would have to purchase a two-euro ticket to visit the Trevi Fountain in Rome starting from January 7. This has since been denied by Rome's city council. Rome's city administration stated on Tuesday afternoon that they are considering the introduction of an entrance fee for the Trevi Fountain. However, no official decision has been made. There is also no date for the start of the entrance fee collection, it was said.

Separate entrance for locals

For about a year now, the number of visitors at the fountain has been limited: a maximum of 400 people are allowed to be in the area at the same time. Starting in January, two separate entrances are to be set up - one for Romans, one for tourists.

Over 5 Million Visitors in 6 Months

The tourism representative of the city of Rome, Alessandro Onorato, emphasized that the aim of the measure is to protect Rome's largest fountain, a late Baroque masterpiece by the artist Nicola Salvi. In the first six months of this year alone, more than 5.3 million visitors were counted. This makes the Trevi Fountain the most visited monument in Rome after the Colosseum. The revenue from the entrance fee is intended to improve the tourist offerings and services, Onorato explained.

Iconic Film Inspires Imitators

The fountain became world-famous through the film "La dolce Vita" (The Sweet Life) by Federico Fellini, featuring Anita Ekberg bathing in the fountain at night. According to a superstition, any tourist who wants to ensure their return to the Eternal City must throw a coin over their shoulder into the Trevi Fountain.

The Baroque fountain is repeatedly used for self-promotion. The city attempts to protect the attraction from bathers with high fines. Anyone who enters the water without permission must pay 450 euros.

(APA/Red)

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