Two of Rome’s most iconic landmarks are undergoing significant changes, with authorities implementing new measures aimed at preservation and crowd management. An entry fee has been introduced at the Trevi Fountain, while a major cleaning project has commenced on Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgement” in the Sistine Chapel.
Starting Monday, visitors wishing to get close to the world-famous Trevi Fountain are required to pay a two-euro fee. City officials state the measure is designed to control overwhelming crowds and generate funds for the monument’s upkeep. Alessandro Onorato, Rome’s council member for tourism, estimated the new system could raise at least six million euros annually. These funds will reportedly be used for preservation and to provide free access to a series of museums for local residents.
The decision has been met with mixed reactions. Some tourists expressed satisfaction with the reduced crowds, which allowed for better photo opportunities. “Tell me it’s not worth two euros! It’s worth thousands if not millions, it’s beautiful!” tourist Agata Harezlak told AFP. Others felt that access to such a historic site should remain free. The introduction of a fee follows similar measures at other Italian heritage sites, including the Pantheon, which began charging for entry in 2023, and Venice’s tourist entry fee during peak seasons.
In another development concerning the preservation of Italy’s artistic heritage, a deep cleaning has begun on Michelangelo’s masterpiece, “The Last Judgement,” in the Sistine Chapel. This marks the first major restoration of the 180-square-metre fresco in three decades.
Vatican experts explained that the artwork was covered by a “widespread whiteish haze” caused by airborne microparticles that have dulled its colors and contrasts over time. The restoration, expected to take three months, aims to remove these deposits and recover the fresco’s original chromatic quality. The Sistine Chapel will remain open to the public throughout the cleaning process.
Updates on Rome landmarks are drawing international attention as the city implements new strategies to manage and preserve its historic treasures. The globally recognized Trevi Fountain has introduced a new ticketing system, requiring visitors to pay a fee for close access to the basin. This initiative aims to control overcrowding and secure funds dedicated to the monument’s continuous maintenance.
Simultaneously, another of the city’s most treasured Rome landmarks, Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgement” in the Sistine Chapel, is undergoing a significant three-month cleaning project. This essential restoration work is set to remove accumulated deposits and reveal the fresco’s original, vibrant colors, all while the chapel remains accessible to visitors. These measures at key Rome landmarks highlight a growing effort in Italy to balance tourism with the critical need for cultural heritage preservation.
