Roman Dollardays

The Baldman at the Roman Forum

Rome is one of the the great sight-seeing cities of the world. There are so many ancient ruins and famous sites to visit all over the city,  you have the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain just to name a few. However, the entry charges to visit some of the sites are just not worth it, and I have just found out there is now a charge to enter the Roman Forum. For many years it was free to wander around this magnificent piece of ancient Roman history, but alas no more.

I don't understand the reasoning behind the change. Yes, I understand the authorities need money to care for and preserve the site. But, I believe all ancient sites should be free. They are part of the history of humanity and therefore all our histories and we should have every right to visit them for free.

Consider the following two options.

1. Visit 10 free sites and stay in Rome for a week spending a great deal of money on accommodation, food & drink and souvenirs.
2. Pay to visit a few of the sites of Rome and stay only 1or 2 days and spend very little at all.

The Roman Forum (When it was Free)

Now I ask you, which option is better for the local economy? Clearly the first option. With more money being spent by tourists the authorities would receive more in taxes of which a percentage could be diverted to the upkeep of the ancient monuments and sites.

I don't mind paying an admission charge to visit a significant site or monument but unfortunately Rome seems to have some of the highest charges to visit many of the culturally and historically important places on this planet.

It costs 10 Euros to enter the Colosseum and then some more for the Roman Forum. I don't think it's worth paying for the entry ticket/s. If I'm going to spend a third to a half of my daily travel budget to see a pile of car exhaust covered crumbling old stones I want to be entertained, so show me the gladiators and lions as well!

Best Free Site: The Pantheon (For now)