From the first of
February, visitors will have to pay two euros to get close to the city's
world-famous Trevi Fountain. Tradition dictates that visitors toss a coin into
the water to guarantee their return to Rome.
City residents
will not have to pay the fee.
The small
surrounding square offering a view of the imposing monument will remain free
for everyone.
The famous
fountain is suffering because of overtourism.
There is a lot of
congestion in the summer. Crowds and people taking selfies are damaging the stonework
surrounding the fountain.
Rome's mayor,
Roberto Gualtieri, said the "Trevi levy" will raise 6.5 million euros
a year. On average, around 30,000 people visit the attraction every day. That amounts to over ten million
visitors.
The fountain was
initially commissioned in 1640 and was completed in 1762. It depicts Oceanus, the god of all water, and
symbolizes the force of the world's seas and
rivers.
Visitors
on Friday said they will be willing to pay if the money is put to good use.
