Breaking News English
Authorities in Rome have decided to charge a fee to get close to the world-famous Trevi Fountain. From February, visitors will have to pay two euros to get close up to it. One reason for the charge is to deal with the growing numbers of sightseers who are flocking to the sight. Like other tourist hotspots, the famous fountain is suffering from the effects of overtourism. There is a lot of congestion in the peak summer months. Large crowds and people taking selfies have damaged the ambiance of the fountain. Visitors have also damaged the stonework surrounding it.
Rome's mayor said the "Trevi levy" could raise 6.5 million euros ($7.6 million) a year. He said that around 30,000 people visited the attraction every day this year. That is over ten million visitors. However, city residents will be exempt from paying the fee. The mayor said: "We believe that culture is a fundamental right of citizenship." He added: "The citizens of Rome can enjoy our museums free of charge." The fountain was completed in 1762. It depicts Oceanus, the god of all water, and symbolizes the untamed force of the world's seas and rivers.
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