By Graciela Chahin
ROME, March 25 — For tourists and study-abroad students planning to visit the Roman Forum, the number one thing to bring is cash.
On March 10, the city began charging an entry fee to this ancient Roman neighborhood. Officials said the fee had been introduced for security purposes -- a fee will control of who goes in and will help diminish pick-pocketing and vandalism. The money charged would also go towards new excavations and restorations in the Forum and other locations.
The ticket is 11 euros for adults, 6.50 euros for European Union members between the ages of 18-24 and free for European Union members under age 18 and over 65. It is valid for two days and includes a visit to either the Colosseum or the nearby Imperial Forum on the Palatine Hill.
Before the fee came into effect, the Roman Forum had always been a good way for people to experience Ancient Rome without the hassle of ticket lines. The fee will be an extra expense for tourists and study-abroad students that wish to visit the Forum.
Brianne DeSpuches, JCU study-abroad student, said, “by making these changes and charging tourists for previously free locations it will discourage them from visiting historic sites”.
The fee has also attracted the attention of locals that used to take brisk walks through forum.
“The topography of the valley has been changed from an open free space, rich in monuments and history that could be enjoyed by all at leisure to a horrible, expensive tourist lock up. As a Roman I am appalled, nor am I the only one,” said Sharon Salvadori, JCU Art History professor.
If you do decide that 11 Euros is worth paying, this month it will be opened from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. except the last Sunday of March which will be opened until 7:15 p.m. For more information on the Roman Forum go online at www.pierreci.it.
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