Rome Installs New Queuing System at Trevi Fountain After Restoration**

Following a three-month restoration, Rome's Trevi Fountain has re-opened with new regulations to better manage daily tourist visits, amid discussions of potential entry fees to support maintenance efforts.**

Rome's renowned Trevi Fountain has recently re-opened to the public after undergoing a significant three-month restoration. Designed by the esteemed 18th-century architect Nicola Salvi and situated on the façade of the Poli Palace, this baroque monument draws substantial crowds, attracting between 10,000 and 12,000 visitors daily.

To manage the influx of tourists and improve their experience, city officials have implemented a new queuing system that aims to prevent overcrowding near the historic site. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri expressed that these measures will help visitors appreciate the monument without facing congestion. Additionally, there are considerations for a modest entry fee to fund the continued upkeep of the fountain.

The ceremonial re-opening occurred on Sunday, marked by a light drizzle and attended by hundreds, as many patrons participated in the enduring tradition of tossing coins into the fountain, a custom linked to the belief that it ensures a return visit to Rome. The restoration has benefitted from significant cleaning efforts that removed unwanted mould and calcium deposits, aiming to prepare the site for the upcoming jubilee of the Roman Catholic Church, commencing on Christmas Eve.

The iconic fountain has long faced preservation challenges, with its structural integrity coming into question as early as 2012 when pieces began to detach following a severe winter. This prompted a costly renovation the following year. Historically, the fountain not only serves as a stunning attraction but also plays a philanthropic role, as the coins—earlier estimated to bring in around €10,000 weekly—are collected and donated to a charity that provides meals for the impoverished.

Interestingly, the fountain is situated at the end of the Acqua Vergine aqueduct, which has been delivering water since 19 BC. This source, linked to a legend involving a young virgin guiding soldiers to water, underpins the fountain's name. Visitors can also enjoy the refreshing water from a discreet public tap nearby. The cultural significance of the fountain was popularized by Frank Sinatra's hit, "Three Coins in the Fountain," from the 1954 film of the same name, further cementing its place in global cultural lore.