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