Vacationers in Rome testing the Pantheon, Italy’s most-visited cultural website, will quickly be charged a 5-euro ($5.28) entrance charge underneath an settlement signed Thursday by Italian tradition and church officers.
Tradition Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano mentioned the transfer was a matter of “good sense.” The introduction of an entrance charge comes 5 years after a earlier authorities shelved plans to start out charging guests 2 euros.
Proceeds will probably be cut up, with the tradition ministry receiving 70% and the Rome diocese 30%, officers mentioned.
The monumental domed construction, initially an historical Roman temple, attracts tens of millions of tourists annually. It was remodeled right into a church in 609, known as the Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs, and Mass is recurrently celebrated there.
Below the brand new plan, guests underneath 25 years of age will probably be charged 2 euros. Entrance will probably be free to Rome residents, minors, folks attending Mass and personnel of the basilica, amongst others.
No date was given for the introduction of the charge, as officers work out technical particulars. At the moment, entrance is free and reservations are required on weekends and public holidays.
