Rome [Italy], November 10: Rome has built a footbridge over the Trevi Fountain to allow tourists to visit the world-famous attraction while it undergoes restoration work.
The fountain has been emptied and the lower section of the water basin has been cordoned off, threatening to leave tourists disappointed.
In order to allow visitors to continue to access the fountain, which was completed in 1762 and features elaborate sculptures of mythical sea creatures, the city council in the Italian capital has set up a walkway, and also set up a small temporary pool for tourists to throw their coins into. City authorities are also hoping to use the footbridge to count the number of tourists visiting the attraction after years of overcrowding.
The results are to be used to develop measures to resolve the problem, such as limiting access to the steps of the fountain and introducing a small fee. Admission to the footbridge is free, but tourists are being warned that the traditional act of tossing coins into the main fountain is banned during the renovation work, carrying the threat of a €50 ($54) fine. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune
