Tourists will have to pay two euros for entry to the famous Roman Trevi Fountain, announced Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri.
One of the most famous fountains in the world will still be accessible for free viewing from a distance, but only ticket holders will be able to get closer to it, Gualtieri announced at a press conference.
"Starting February 1, we are introducing a paid ticket for visiting six attractions in the Italian capital, including the Trevi Fountain," the mayor stated.
Entry to the other five sites will cost five euros.
Visiting the fountain, built in the 18th century, is among the must-see attractions for many tourists coming to Rome.
The tradition of tossing a coin into the water has become so popular that institutions collect thousands of euros weekly, which are then donated to the charity Caritas.
Due to the fountain's fame, the square around this Baroque masterpiece often attracts so many people that it is difficult to see it properly.
According to Gualtieri, from January 1 to December 8, the square located directly in front of the fountain sees about nine million tourists — an average of 30,000 people per day.
The area near the fountain is also popular among pickpockets, and Roman officials have been discussing various ways to regulate access to it for many years.
For residents of Rome, entry will be free.
According to estimates from the city council, tickets for visiting the Trevi Fountain could generate 6.5 million euros annually, the mayor stated.
