Rome on Monday started charging tourists a two-euro fee to access the area directly around the Trevi Fountain so they are close enough to have a proper selfie and follow the tradition of throwing three coins into its water.
    The area around the basin will be open to visitors who pay the ticket from 11:30 to 22:00 Monday to Friday and from 9:00 to 22:00 at the weekend.
    Rome residents, the disabled, children under six and tour guides do not have to pay.
    The ticket is expected to bring in millions of euros into the city coffers and Rome Tourism Chief Alessandro Onorato said 18 young people had been hired to act as "stewards" to run the new system and help tourists.
    "It's proof of how tourism generates wealth and jobs, especially if it's well-organized," Onorato said.
    "Until a year ago, visiting the Trevi Fountain was an absurd experience," he added, referring to the huge crowds that would gather around the basin.
    "Now we've completed a healthy revolution.
    "Of course, it will always be possible to walk through the (surrounding) square for free".

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