Rome’s legendary Trevi Fountain, immortalized in films like La Dolce Vita, could soon require tourists to pay a fee to get near its glistening waters. Local officials are weighing the move to tackle overcrowding and preserve the 18th-century Baroque landmark, which draws over 1,200 visitors per hour during peak seasons. 🏛️👥
The proposed fee—rumored to be around €5—would grant timed entry to the fountain’s immediate viewing area. Critics worry it could exclude budget travelers, while supporters argue it’s a ‘necessary step’ to prevent damage and manage foot traffic. ‘We’re balancing accessibility with conservation,’ a city spokesperson shared. 💬
This isn’t Rome’s first clash with overtourism: the Spanish Steps banned sitting in 2019, and Venice recently introduced a tourist tax. With global travel rebounding post-pandemic, could pay-to-play become the norm for iconic spots? 🌍✈️
