Rome Proposes Fee to Access Trevi Fountain

Rome officials may introduce a €2 ($2.25) fee to access the Trevi Fountain as a way to manage tourism at the iconic site. This proposal, led by city tourism chief Alessandro Onorato, mirrors Venice's recent €5 daytripper fee. Its implementation hinges on City Council approval, but mayor Roberto Gualtieri has shown support.

Onorato emphasized the modest cost, equating it to the typical coin tourists toss into the fountain to make a wish. He highlighted the necessity of preserving both the visitor experience and the city's heritage. "We have to avoid, especially in a fragile art city like Rome, that too many tourists damage the tourist experience and the city," he remarked. The plan includes a reservation system via QR code and aims for a 2025 Jubilee Holy Year rollout.

The fee would cover access to the stone steps leading to the fountain; passersby and Roman residents would be exempt. This initiative could also reduce people picnicking on the steps or mimicking Anita Ekberg's famous plunge in "La Dolce Vita." Onorato noted, "It would happen less… because whoever would enter, we would know their names and where they live." (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)