Rome Implements Tourist Fee for Trevi Fountain Access

Authorities in Italy's capital city, Rome, have decided to charge tourists a fee to get close to the city's world-famous Trevi Fountain. From the first of February, visitors will have to pay two euros to experience the landmark close up. One reason for the new measure is to address the burgeoning numbers of sightseers who are flocking to the sight. Similar to many other tourist hotspots around the world, the famed fountain is suffering from the effects of overtourism.

There has been serious congestion in the peak months of summer. Large crowds and people vying for selfies have diminished the ambiance of the historic fountain. Visitors have also damaged the stonework surrounding it.

Rome's mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, said the "Trevi levy" was expected to raise 6.5 million euros ($7.6 million) a year. Gualtieri said that on average, around 30,000 people visited the attraction every day this year. That amounts to over ten million visitors.

However, city residents will be exempt from paying the tourist tax. The mayor said: "We believe that culture is a fundamental right of citizenship." He added: "We think it's correct and positive that the citizens of Rome can enjoy our museums free of charge."

The fountain was initially commissioned in 1640 and was completed in 1762. It depicts Oceanus, the god of all water, and symbolizes the vast, untamed force of the world's seas and rivers.