Rome Mulls Introducing Tickets for the Trevi Fountain

Yuting, from China, throws two coins into the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy, February 16, 2024. (Reuters)
Yuting, from China, throws two coins into the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy, February 16, 2024. (Reuters)
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Rome Mulls Introducing Tickets for the Trevi Fountain

Yuting, from China, throws two coins into the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy, February 16, 2024. (Reuters)
Yuting, from China, throws two coins into the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy, February 16, 2024. (Reuters)

Authorities in Rome said Wednesday they were mulling introducing a ticketing system for visitors to the iconic Trevi Fountain, in the latest attempt in Italy to tackle overtourism.

The backdrop to the most famous scene in Federico Fellini's film "La Dolce Vita", when actress Anita Ekberg takes a dip, the 18th-century fountain is top of the list for many visitors exploring the Eternal City.

"Personally, I would be in favor of looking at a new form of access, limited and timed, to the Trevi Fountain," Alessandro Onorato, the city councilor responsible for tourism, told the Corriere della Sera newspaper.

This would be "a (ticket) reservation system -- free for Romans and costing a symbolic one-euro for tourists", he said, in quotes confirmed by the municipality.

The goal is not to raise money but control the crowds -- including stopping them "eating ice cream or pizza on a monument that deserves the proper respect", he said.

As a result of the fountain's fame, the crowds in the square surrounding the Baroque masterpiece are often so deep that it is hard to get a proper look.

A spokesman for the municipality told AFP the ticket proposal was merely "an initial idea -- there is nothing concrete yet".

"It is a delicate, difficult issue, but sooner or later it must be addressed," he said.

"Tourism in Rome, which is reporting record numbers, must be made sustainable for the city and the environment."

Visitor numbers are expected to surge further in 2025 for the Jubilee, a holy year held by the Catholic Church around once every 25 years, with some 30 million people expected in Rome and the Vatican over the 12 months.

Venice earlier this year trialed a five-euro ($5.50) ticket for day visitors during peak periods, in a bid to encourage people to come at less busy times.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government is also considering hiking the nightly tourist tax, although the proposal has sparked anger among industry groups who warn against scaring people away.

Onorato said Rome authorities would also like to limit the opening of new bed-and-breakfast or holiday homes to reduce the pressure on the historic center, but they do not have the power.

"Today we can limit the number of restaurants or fast-food outlets in the historic center, but we cannot prevent the opening of non-hotel facilities," he said.



Ancient Statue Returns to Türkiye 65 Years Later

FILE PHOTO: People enjoy the sunset in Ankara, Türkiye January 4, 2022. REUTERS/Cagla Gurdogan/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: People enjoy the sunset in Ankara, Türkiye January 4, 2022. REUTERS/Cagla Gurdogan/File Photo
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Ancient Statue Returns to Türkiye 65 Years Later

FILE PHOTO: People enjoy the sunset in Ankara, Türkiye January 4, 2022. REUTERS/Cagla Gurdogan/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: People enjoy the sunset in Ankara, Türkiye January 4, 2022. REUTERS/Cagla Gurdogan/File Photo

Türkiye has repatriated an ancient statue believed to depict Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius from the United States as part of efforts to recover antiquities illegally removed from the country, the government announced on Saturday.

The bronze statue, smuggled from the ancient city of Boubon -- now the province of Burdur in southwest Türkiye -- in the 1960s, was returned to Türkiye after 65 years, according to Turkish officials.

"It was a long struggle. We were right, we were determined, we were patient, and we won," AFP quoted Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy as saying.

"We brought the 'Philosopher Emperor' Marcus Aurelius back to the land where he belongs," he added.

This unique artifact, once exhibited in the United States, was repatriated to Türkiye based on scientific analyses, archival documents and witness statements, added the minister.

"Through the combined power of diplomacy, law, and science, the process we conducted with the New York Manhattan District Attorney's Office and the US Homeland Security Investigations Unit is more than just a repatriation; it is a historical achievement," Ersoy said.

"Marcus Aurelius's return to our country is a concrete result of our years-long pursuit of justice."

The headless statue had been on display at the Cleveland Museum of Art from April to July, before its return to Türkiye.

Ersoy said Türkiye was determined to protect all its cultural heritage that has been smuggled out.

"We will soon present the Philosopher Emperor to the people of (Türkiye's capital) Ankara in a surprise exhibition," he announced.