From Monday, a close-up view of Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain will cost money
From Monday, a close-up view of Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain will cost money. The price for tourists and non-residents of Rome is 2 euros.
The system will operate daily from 09:00 to 22:00, except on Mondays and Fridays, when public access will open at 11:30 so that the coins thrown into the water of the Baroque fountain can be collected, which is done twice a week.
Free access remains for residents of Rome and its environs on presentation of an identity document, as well as for people with disabilities and one companion, for children under six, and for guides.
After 22:00 entry to the fountain is free for everyone.
Tickets can be bought online at www.fontanaditrevi.roma.it, at the city's museums and tourist information points, and at the Trevi Fountain itself, by card only.
The fountain can still be seen free of charge if you do not wish to go right up to the water's edge.
That is to say, if you are content with a snapshot of a crowd of people against the backdrop of a Baroque masterpiece, no ticket is needed. Personally, that is usually enough for me.
The contentious measure has been introduced after a year-long experiment in managing the flow of visitors to the Roman landmark, its aim being to reduce overcrowding and improve the visitors' experience; the city authorities tactfully keep silent about the projected revenue.
