Authorities in Italy's capital city, Rome, have decided to charge tourists fee to get close to city's world-famous Trevi Fountain. From first of February, visitors will have to pay two euros to experience landmark close up. One reason for new measure is to address the burgeoning numbers of sightseers who are flocking to the sight. Similar to many other tourist hotspots around the world, famed fountain is suffering from effects of overtourism. There has been serious congestion in peak months of summer. Large crowds and people vying for selfies have diminished the ambiance of historic fountain. Visitors have also damaged stonework surrounding it.
Rome's mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, said "Trevi levy" was expected to raise 6.5 million euros ($7.6 million) year. Gualtieri said that on average, around 30,000 people visited attraction every day this year. That amounts to over ten million visitors. However, city residents will be exempt from paying tourist tax. The mayor said: "We believe that culture is fundamental right of citizenship." He added: "We think it's correct and positive that citizens of Rome can enjoy our museums free of charge." The fountain was initially commissioned in 1640 and was completed in 1762. It depicts Oceanus, the god of all water, and symbolizes vast, untamed force of world's seas and rivers.
