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The iconic Trevi Fountain in Rome is one of the popular historical sites and attractions in the entire world. Now, however, if you’re hoping to visit the famous fountain, you’d better be prepared to pay up.
Starting on Monday, all visitors were charged €2 if they want to approach and throw a coin in the famous fountain, which sees millions of visitors each year.
The coins collected, which often among to thousands of Euros each day, are donated to charity, while the new entry fees are expected to fund maintenance and manage the number of visitors to the fountain.
Why Is Rome Charging Tourists To See The Trevi Fountain?
According to Roman government officials, the new ticketing system is for non-residents only and is part of an effort to manage the size of the crowd at one of the Italian capital’s most visited landmarks.
However, you can still work around the fee if you really don’t feel like paying up. Tickets are only required from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. the rest of the week. After 10 p.m., the barriers are opened and access is free for all.
So maybe an early or late-night trip is the way to go.
Why Is The Trevi Fountain So Famous?
The iconic fountain was designed by legendary Italian architect Nicola Salvi and constructed from travertine stone. It stands at a jaw-dropping 26.3 meters high and 49 meters wide.
But more impressive than the fountain’s size is its alleged mystical powers.
As tradition states, tossing a coin from one’s right hand over one’s left shoulder is meant to guarantee one’s return to the city, while tossing two coins guarantees romance, and three, marriage.
Whether you believe in the tradition or not is up to you. But if you, you’ll quickly start racking up the costs when you figure in the new admission fee.