Rome will introduce 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 the Italian architect Nicola Salvi on the facade of the Poli Palace, the historic fountain is one of the most visited places 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 from gathering near the landmark.

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

Gualtieri also said city officials are considering imposing a modest admission price to fund the fountain's maintenance.

The re-opening on Sunday took place 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 cleaning project included removing mold and calcium deposits.

The fountain and other key city sites have been cleaned ahead of the Roman Catholic Church's jubilee, which begins on Christmas Eve.

Its poor structural condition was on display in 2012 when pieces of its elaborate cornice began to fall after a particularly harsh winter, which necessitated repairs worth several million euros in the following year.

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

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

• Commissioned by Pope Clement XII in 1730
• This is the end point of one of the aqueducts that supplied ancient Rome with water
• The Acqua Vergine runs a total of 20 km (12 mi) before flowing into the fountain
• Tourists can drink from a special tap hidden on one side
• According to legend, the water source was discovered in 19. etc. n. is. by thirsty Roman soldiers directed to the site by a young virgin – hence its name Virgin Waters
• 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.