Trevi Fountain fee takes effect as Rome seeks to manage tourist crowds

"ROME Tourists hoping to get close to the Trevi Fountain had to pay 2 euros ($2.35) starting Monday as the city of Rome inaugurated a new fee structure to help raise money and control crowds at one of the world's most celebrated waterworks. The first tourists to pass through the new ticket check seemed unfazed by the tariff, noting it was a small price to pay for quality access to a fountain made famous by Federico Fellini's movie "La Dolce Vita.""

""Before, there were problems accessing the fountain. There were a lot of people. Now, it's very easy," said Ilhan Musbah, a tourist from Morocco. "You can take photos, you feel good, you're comfortable, and on top of that 2 euros is not much." The tourist fee was rolled out in conjunction with a new 5-euro (nearly $6) tourist ticket fee for some city museums."

Rome began charging 2 euros for close access to the Trevi Fountain to raise money and control crowds at the landmark. The fee debuted Monday alongside a new 5-euro tourist ticket for some city museums. Registered Roman residents are exempt and the extra revenue will expand the number of city-run museums that are free for residents. Officials estimate the measures could net about 6.5 million euros annually. The Trevi fee follows a yearlong experiment that staggered and limited visitors with lines and pathways and mirrors earlier ticketing at the Pantheon and a day-tripper tax.

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