A glass corridor is to be built around it Trevi Fountain in Rome, restricting access to visitors and visitors as their ”run” cleaning procedures.
Only a handful of people will be able to enter the narrow path created at the time, and according to the municipal authorities, the measure is a possible precursor to charging a ticket.
It is recalled that, in September, it was planned to introduce a tourist tax to deal with congestion at the landmark, which attracts millions of visitors annually.
The path, due to be built in November, will allow visitors to watch workers cleaning the well next to it, according to the telegraph.
The world cultural heritage monument has small bronze, lead and iron supports that have left their mark over the years on its marble surface.
The “emergency maintenance” project, as Rome’s city council calls it, will last through November, after which the runway will be removed.
However, he suggests an experiment for them to calculate the number of tourists who come to the well during the year.
“A set number of tourists will be allowed to enter the corridor and when they come out the other side, other visitors will be allowed to enter,” the mayor said while presenting the plan at Rome’s Renaissance town hall.
“It will allow us to better study the flow of tourists and the time they spend at the monument.”
The ticket is probably from 2025
According to the information available so far, the introduction of the ticket is likely to come into effect from 2025 onwards.
The municipal authorities have not disclosed the amount of the ticket, but they have said that it is a “small contribution” that could be 1-2 euros.
Rage over the ticket
The last time extensive cleaning work was carried out at the Trevi Fountain was in 2014-2015, when Fendi paid for the project.
At the time, the prospect of being able to visit the fountain with a Rome admission ticket sparked outrage, with critics saying it would do little to combat over-tourism and that the city should be free. and open to all.
Title: The Future of Rome’s Trevi Fountain: An Interview with Urban Planning Expert Dr. Maria Rossi
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Rossi! We’re thrilled to have you with us today to discuss the exciting developments around the iconic Trevi Fountain. A glass corridor is set to be built around it, and there are talks of future access restrictions and potential ticketing. What are your initial thoughts on this decision?
Dr. Maria Rossi (DR): Thank you for having me! The decision to build a glass corridor is fascinating and somewhat controversial. On one hand, this initiative can help preserve the fountain with controlled cleaning procedures, while on the other hand, it raises concerns about accessibility and the commercialization of public spaces.
TNE: Indeed, the balance between preservation and public access is a delicate one. With millions of visitors annually, do you think the introduction of a tourist tax or a ticketing system is warranted?
DR: It certainly could be. Destinations like the Trevi Fountain face incredible pressures from tourism, which can lead to overcrowding and wear on historical sites. A tourist tax might help manage the number of visitors and generate funds for maintenance. However, it’s essential to ensure that this doesn’t make the fountain inaccessible to those who cannot afford to pay.
TNE: That’s an important point. What impact do you believe this glass corridor will have on the visitor experience? Will it enhance or detract from their enjoyment of the fountain?
DR: The experience will likely change significantly. The glass corridor will create an opportunity for visitors to observe the restoration efforts, which could be enlightening. It provides a glimpse behind the scenes, but there’s a risk that it could also create a sense of separation from the fountain itself. A beautiful, historic site like this is typically enjoyed from a closer vantage point, so managing that visitor experience will be crucial.
TNE: You mentioned the potential for enhanced educational opportunities. Can you elaborate on how this initiative could be leveraged for public engagement and awareness?
DR: Absolutely! If managed well, this corridor could function as an educational space. Informational displays about the history, restoration processes, and conservation efforts of the Trevi Fountain could be integrated into the design. This could raise awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage and even foster a sense of collective responsibility among visitors.
TNE: With a project like this also comes questions about logistics and management. What recommendations do you have for the municipal authorities to ensure a successful implementation of this glass corridor?
DR: Transparency and communication are key. Authorities should engage with local communities, historians, and conservationists to gather feedback and ensure that the corridor meets conservation standards. Additionally, they need to establish a clear visitor management strategy to prevent overcrowding and maintain the integrity of the experience. Trial periods or pilot programs could be beneficial as well to see how it all functions on a practical level.
TNE: Great insights, Dr. Rossi. As an urban planning expert, what broader implications do you see this project having on Rome’s approach to other historical sites?
DR: This could set a precedent for how Rome and, potentially, other cities manage their historic landmarks. If successful, it might encourage a trend toward more controlled, sustainable tourism practices that prioritize the preservation of cultural heritage while still providing access to visitors. However, it is vital that any measures taken do not detract from the intrinsic value and atmosphere of these sites.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for sharing your expertise with us. The future of the Trevi Fountain certainly seems to hold both promise and challenges. We look forward to seeing how this unfolds!
DR: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to see where this initiative leads!