Rome to bring in queueing system as Trevi Fountain re-opens after restoration


Getty Images A general view shows the Trevi fountain after renovation works in Rome, on the day of its reopening with crowds of people huddling round the grand re-opening.Getty Images

More than 10,000 people used to visit the baroque landmark in Rome every day

Rome’s world-famous Trevi Fountain has re-opened after a three-month restoration.

Built in the 18th Century by Italian architect Nicola Salvi on the façade of the Poli Palace, the historic fountain is one of the city’s most visited spots.

Between 10,000 and 12,000 tourists used to visit the Trevi Fountain each day, but a new queuing system has been installed to prevent large crowds massing near the landmark.

Speaking on Sunday Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri said imposing the limit will “allow everyone to better enjoy the fountain, without crowds or confusion”.

Gualtieri also said city authorities were considering charging a modest entry price to finance the fountain’s upkeep.

Sunday’s re-opening took place under light rain in the presence of several hundred tourists, many of whom followed the mayor by throwing a coin into the fountain.

The three-month cleaning project involved removing mould and calcium incrustations.

The fountain and other key city sites have been cleaned ahead of the jubilee of the Roman Catholic Church which begins on Christmas Eve.

Getty Images  People visit the Trevi Fountain in Rome, ItalyGetty Images

A new queueing system will be put in place to avoid large crowds, like this in September 2024

Its poor structural condition was exposed in 2012 when bits of its elaborate cornice began falling off after an especially harsh winter which required a multi-million euro renovation the following year.

Making a wish and tossing a coin into the water is such a tradition that the city authorities used to collect around €10,000 (£8,300; $10,500) a week.

The money was donated to a charity that provides meals for the poor.

The Trevi fountain

Getty Images An old photo of the Trevi Fountain in RomeGetty Images
  • Commissioned by Pope Clement XII in 1730
  • It is the end point of one of the aqueducts that supplied ancient Rome with water
  • The Acqua Vergine runs for a total of 20km (12 miles) before flowing into the fountain
  • Tourists can drink from a special tap tucked away at one side
  • According to legend, the water source was discovered in 19 BC by thirsty Roman soldiers directed to the site by a young virgin – which is why it is called Virgin Waters
  • The tradition of throwing coins into the fountain was made famous by Frank Sinatra’s Three Coins in the Fountain in the 1954 romantic comedy of the same name



Source link

  • radioworldtoday

    Radio world today, your non profit world wide radio station designed to help the world in a constructive way, in terms of sponsorship, air play, politics, political alliance and unifications, peace, religion in your country, donation to food shortage in your region all free, free advertising of your cause and request all designed in a constructive approach that will only spiral the quality of life up in a positive non violent approach. Founder Laurence Mehlhorn

    Related Posts

    Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal takes effect after delay

    The first phase of the long-awaited Gaza ceasefire deal has begun after an almost three-hour delay, with Hamas set to release three Israeli hostages later on Sunday. The ceasefire was…

    Israel vote on Gaza ceasefire deal delayed

    Getty Images Strikes continued in Gaza overnight on Wednesday after the ceasefire deal was announced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed a cabinet vote to approve the Gaza ceasefire…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal takes effect after delay

    Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal takes effect after delay

    Sophie at 60: The Duchess of Edinburgh looks to the future

    Sophie at 60: The Duchess of Edinburgh looks to the future

    Moonwave FX’s Aperture Single Knob Filter is FREE at Pluginomat

    Moonwave FX’s Aperture Single Knob Filter is FREE at Pluginomat

    Israel vote on Gaza ceasefire deal delayed

    Israel vote on Gaza ceasefire deal delayed

    What is The King’s Trust?

    What is The King’s Trust?

    The Spice all-in-one sonic enhancement plugin by Phil Speiser is FREE for a limited time

    The Spice all-in-one sonic enhancement plugin by Phil Speiser is FREE for a limited time