Italian officials have ended free access to the famous Juliet Balcony in Verona that is linked to the famous scene in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and will instead demand a GBP 10 fee from a maximum of just over 1,000 visitors a day.
The Juliet Balcony, a medieval stone terrace long linked to the lovers’ balcony scene, can now only by visited by tourists who pay EUR 12 (GBP 10.4) for the privilege.
Located at the Casa di Giulietta museum in the city of Verona, in the Italian region of Veneto, the balcony became ticketed on 6th December under new measures introduced to control crowding during the festive season.
The ticket replaced the previously free access to the courtyard and balcony, which attracts thousands of visitors keen to see the terrace associated with the tale of the star-crossed lovers and the bronze statue of Juliet.
Authorities introduced the fee as part of stricter rules designed to manage tourist pressure after years of sustained growth in visitor numbers.
The new system reduced maximum capacity from 130 to 100 people at any one time and imposed a daily limit of 1,460 entries.
Group visits are capped at 45 individuals every 15 minutes, with visitors reportedly given just 60 seconds for a selfie on the balcony before being moved on.
Related: Victory In Battle To Keep Access To Juliets Balcony In Verona Free
The city also created two distinct access routes, divided by a red ribbon, with one for ticket holders and another reserved for customers of the adjoining souvenir shop that opens directly onto the courtyard.
Officials said the measures were required because the alternative entrance through the Teatro Nuovo could not be used this year and warned that without the new system the courtyard would have faced total closure on safety grounds.
In the first days of operation, heavy queues, rapidly exhausted ticket slots and complaints from visitors unaware of the changes were reported.
Tour guides and opposition groups criticised the city administration, arguing that notice was insufficient and that December, apart from weekends, is normally considered low season.
The administration said it may introduce further tweaks to ease congestion, including a possible one-way pedestrian route in moments of higher demand.
The measures are set to remain in place until 6th January.
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below. Story By: Michael Leidig, Sub-Editor: Simona Kitanovska, Agency: Newsflash
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