Rome will introduce a queuing system when the Trevi Fountain reopens after restoration

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

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

Between 10,000 and 12,000 tourists visited the Trevi Fountain every day, but a new queuing system was put in place to prevent crowds of people gathering near the landmark.

Speaking on Sunday, Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri said the restriction would “allow everyone to better enjoy the fountain, without crowds and confusion”.

Gualtieri also said city officials are considering charging a modest price to fund the fountain’s upkeep.

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

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

On the eve of the anniversary of the Roman Catholic Church, which begins on the eve of Christmas, the fountain and other important city objects were cleaned.

It was in poor structural condition exhibited in 2012 when pieces of its elaborate cornice began to fall off after a particularly harsh winter, which required multimillion-dollar repairs the following year.

Making a wish and tossing a coin into the water is such a tradition that the city authorities have been raising around €10,000 (£8,300; $10,500) a week.

The money was donated to a charity that feeds the poor.

• By order of Pope Clement XII in 1730
• This is the end point of one of the aqueducts that supplied water to Ancient Rome
• The Acqua Vergine runs a total of 20 km (12 mi) before emptying into a fountain
• Tourists can drink from a special tap hidden on the side
• According to legend, the water source was found in the 19th century. BC by Roman soldiers suffering from thirst, who were directed to the place by a young virgin – that is why she is called the Virgin.
• The tradition of throwing coins into the fountain was made famous by Frank Sinatra’s Three Coins in the Fountain in the 1954 romantic comedy of the same name