From 1 February, entry to the square in front of the Trevi Fountain will cost $2.35

From 1 February, entry to the square in front of the Trevi Fountain will cost $2.35. No more than 400 people will be allowed on the square at any one time. These measures are intended to reduce the excessive pressure of tourism on the landmark.

Today the fountain receives up to 70,000 visitors a day. This year alone, some nine million people have already come to see it. The fountain's appeal owes much to superstition: it is said that if you throw one coin over your left shoulder, you will return to Rome. A second coin promises love with an Italian man or woman, and a third, marriage.

Paid entry will also be introduced at four other tourist sites: the Villa of Maxentius, the Napoleonic Museum, the Barracco Museum, the Carlo Bilotti Museum and the Pietro Canonica Museum.

All the sights will remain free for residents of Rome.