Rome will implement a waiting system as the Trevi Fountain reopens after restoration

Rome's world-famous Trevi Fountain has reopened after a three-month restoration.

Built in the 18th century by Italian architect Nicola Salvi on the facade of the Poli Palace, the historic fountain is one of the most visited sites in the city.

Between 10,000 and 12,000 tourists used to visit the Trevi Fountain every day, but a new queuing system has been installed to prevent large crowds gathering near the landmark.

Speaking on Sunday, Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri said imposing the limit “will allow everyone to better enjoy the fountain, without crowds or confusion.”

Gualtieri also said that city authorities are considering charging a modest admission price to fund maintenance of the fountain.

The reopening took place on Sunday in light rain in the presence of several hundred tourists, many of whom followed the mayor by throwing a coin into the fountain.

The three-month cleanup project involved removing mold and calcium scale.

The fountain and other key sites in the city were cleaned ahead of the Roman Catholic Church's Jubilee, which begins on Christmas Eve.

Its structural condition was poor It was unveiled in 2012 when parts of its elaborate cornice began to fall off After a particularly harsh winter which required a multi-million euro renovation the following year.

Making a wish and dropping a coin into the water is a tradition that has city authorities collecting around 10,000 euros (£8,300; $10,500) a week.

The money was donated to a charity that provides meals to the poor.

• Commissioned by Pope Clement XII in 1730
• It is the end point of one of the aqueducts that supplied water to ancient Rome
• The Aqua Virgin River runs a total distance of 20 kilometers (12 mi) before flowing into the fountain
• Tourists can drink from a special tap located on one side
• According to legend, the water source was discovered in 19 BC by thirsty Roman soldiers who were directed to the site by a young maiden – hence the name “Virgin Waters”.
• The tradition of throwing coins into the fountain became famous after Frank Sinatra's “Three Coins in the Fountain” in the 1954 romantic comedy of the same name.