Tourists who want to get close to Rome’s Trevi Fountain will now have to pay a two-euro fee, the city's mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, told reporters on Friday.
Gualtieri stated that the new system was expected to raise 6.5 million euros each year.
"Two euros isn’t very much, and it will lead to less chaotic tourist flows,” he explained.
The fountain has already received 9 million visitors this year, and the mayor said he expects many people to choose to view it from afar in the future, rather than pay to get near the water.
Citizens of Rome will be able to continue to visit the fountain free of charge.
What is the Trevi Fountain?
The Trevi Fountain is a major tourist attraction in Rome, standing at 26.3 m. tall and 49.15 m. wide, it is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous in the world.
It is best known for a tradition of throwing a coin into the fountain before leaving “the eternal city” to ensure you will return. Coins are thrown using your right hand over your left shoulder.
It is estimated that 3,000 euros are thrown into the fountain each day.
Venice has introduced a similar tourist entry-fee system during peak travel season, and this month, Verona has also begun charging for access to the balcony in the city associated with Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”
The fee systems hope to control the flow of people and make it easier for residents to get on with their lives in towns that are often flocked with tourists.