Rome introduces queuing system as Trevi Fountain reopens after restoration

Rome’s world-famous Trevi Fountain has reopened after three months of restoration.

The historic fountain was built in the 18th century by Italian architect Nicola Salvi on the facade of the Poli Palace and is one of the most visited places in the city.

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

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

Gualtieri also said the city government is considering charging a modest entrance fee to help pay for the fountain’s maintenance.

The reopening on Sunday took place in light rain in the presence of several hundred tourists, many of whom followed the mayor and threw a coin into the fountain.

The three-month cleaning project was about removing mold and limescale deposits.

The fountain and other key city landmarks were cleaned ahead of the Roman Catholic Church’s anniversary, which begins on Christmas Eve.

Its structural condition was poor It was uncovered in 2012 when parts of its ornate cornice began to fall away after a particularly harsh winter that required a multi-million dollar renovation the following year.

Making a wish and throwing a coin into the water is such a tradition that the city council collected around 10,000 euros (£8,300; $10,500) a week.

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

• In 1730 by Pope Clement XII. commissioned
• It is the terminus of one of the aqueducts that supplied water to ancient Rome
• The Acqua Vergine runs a total of 20 km (12 miles) before emptying into the fountain
• Tourists can drink from a special tap hidden on one side
• According to legend, the water source was discovered in 19 BC. Discovered in the 4th century BC by thirsty Roman soldiers sent to the spot 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