The city of Rome is considering implementing some new policies to better manage the tourists visiting one of its most famous landmarks, Trevi Fountain.
Trevi Fountain, built in the 18th century, is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome and one of its most popular, recognisable and well-loved tourist attractions. Italy’s capital receives around more than 20 millions of visitors a year, and it’s easy to imagine that almost all of them went to see the famous fountain and followed the tradition of throwing a coin in it – to make a wish to return to Rome again one day.
The problem is that the fountain faces the relatively small Piazza di Trevi and the large number of tourists visiting it each day causes not only a “traffic jam” and packed spaces, but also damage to the fountain itself (with tourists sitting on it for the perfect photo op, for example). That’s why the municipality of Rome has a new proposal to better regulate the access to the Piazza, a proposal which will be discussed soon in the Campidoglio, Rome’s city hall.
Tourists are literally fighting over the best selfie spot at the Fountain of Trevi
One of the main features of the proposal is building a protective barrier around the fountain so that tourists won’t be able to sit on the marble or jump into the water (both of which are already forbidden but still happen more often than not). There will also be a maximum number of people allowed inside the Piazza at the same time, which will be regulated by one or two policemen stationed at each of the five streets leading into the Piazza.
The objective is to guarantee more safety for tourists both in terms of space and better protection from pickpockets (or fistfights to get the best selfie spot), as well as putting a stop to illegal commercial activities happening in front of the fountain. And, of course, keeping the Trevi fountain safe and without damage.
