**As the beloved landmark reopens, plans for entry fees are considered to ensure upkeep and reduce congestion.**
**Trevi Fountain Sees New Regulations Amidst Restoration and Tourism Surge**
**Trevi Fountain Sees New Regulations Amidst Restoration and Tourism Surge**
**Rome implements a queuing system to enhance visitor experience at the iconic Trevi Fountain post-restoration.**
The historic Trevi Fountain in Rome has reopened its doors to the public following an extensive three-month restoration, drawing an enthusiastic crowd despite occasional rain. This baroque masterpiece, designed in the 18th century by architect Nicola Salvi, attracts between 10,000 and 12,000 visitors daily, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
To alleviate the overwhelming foot traffic, Rome's Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, announced the implementation of a new queuing system aimed at allowing visitors to fully enjoy their experience without the impediment of large crowds. Speaking at the reopening ceremony, Gualtieri emphasized the importance of this initiative for a smoother visitor experience and hinted at the possibility of a modest entry fee to facilitate maintenance of the fountain.
The elaborate cleaning project that enabled the reopening involved extensive work to restore the fountain to its former glory, including the removal of mould and calcium deposits. This restoration was timely, coinciding with the upcoming jubilee of the Roman Catholic Church, set to commence on Christmas Eve.
The fountain, an endpoint of the historic Acqua Vergine aqueduct, is a site rich in legend and culture. Rumored to have been found by Roman soldiers guided by a young virgin in 19 BC, the fountain's tradition of coin tossing has become a popular ritual, driven into pop culture by the film "Three Coins in the Fountain." The city collects approximately €10,000 weekly from visitors tossing coins, with proceeds benefiting local charities focused on alleviating hunger.
As structural weaknesses were revealed in 2012, when elements began to fall from the fountain, this latest renovation highlights the ongoing commitment of the city to preserve its historical treasures while adapting to the realities of modern tourism. Visitors can now not only admire the fountain but also enjoy drinking water from a special tap nearby, reinforcing the fountain’s dual role as both a beautiful landmark and a functional water source.
To alleviate the overwhelming foot traffic, Rome's Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, announced the implementation of a new queuing system aimed at allowing visitors to fully enjoy their experience without the impediment of large crowds. Speaking at the reopening ceremony, Gualtieri emphasized the importance of this initiative for a smoother visitor experience and hinted at the possibility of a modest entry fee to facilitate maintenance of the fountain.
The elaborate cleaning project that enabled the reopening involved extensive work to restore the fountain to its former glory, including the removal of mould and calcium deposits. This restoration was timely, coinciding with the upcoming jubilee of the Roman Catholic Church, set to commence on Christmas Eve.
The fountain, an endpoint of the historic Acqua Vergine aqueduct, is a site rich in legend and culture. Rumored to have been found by Roman soldiers guided by a young virgin in 19 BC, the fountain's tradition of coin tossing has become a popular ritual, driven into pop culture by the film "Three Coins in the Fountain." The city collects approximately €10,000 weekly from visitors tossing coins, with proceeds benefiting local charities focused on alleviating hunger.
As structural weaknesses were revealed in 2012, when elements began to fall from the fountain, this latest renovation highlights the ongoing commitment of the city to preserve its historical treasures while adapting to the realities of modern tourism. Visitors can now not only admire the fountain but also enjoy drinking water from a special tap nearby, reinforcing the fountain’s dual role as both a beautiful landmark and a functional water source.
