The iconic Trevi Fountain in Rome, a beloved tourist attraction known for its stunning architecture and the tradition of tossing coins for good luck, may soon require visitors to pay a fee.
Overwhelming Number of Tourists
Local officials are considering implementing a ticketing system that would charge tourists for access, while allowing residents of Rome to enter for free, according to Ziare.
Alessandro Onorato, Rome’s councilor for tourism, has put forth the proposal, suggesting that a reservation system be established for tourists looking to visit the fountain. This move comes as the city grapples with the overwhelming number of visitors that flock to the site, which has become a symbol of the Eternal City.
Tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain has been a popular tradition since the 19th century, with visitors believed to be ensuring their return to Rome.
According to the lore, one must throw a coin over their left shoulder using their right hand while facing away from the fountain. This ritual was immortalized in the 1954 American film “Three Coins in the Fountain,” which further popularized the practice.
Fee for Tourists
Currently, the fountain generates about €1.5 million ($1,605,000) annually from coins thrown in by tourists, which translates to roughly €3,000 ($3,210) per day.
However, these funds do not contribute to Rome’s municipal budget; instead, they are donated to Caritas, a Catholic charity that assists the city’s impoverished residents, including the homeless.
Onorato has suggested that the fee for tourists could be set at a symbolic €1, making it accessible while helping manage the flow of visitors. The city is in discussions about the feasibility of this plan as it seeks to balance the needs of tourists with the preservation of its cultural landmarks.
