Rome – tourists are paying dearly for the Holy Year – Republic

Source: Private archive

The author: Philip Frydrykiewicz

Holy Year, which will be the theme of mercy, will begin on 8 December. But the owners of restaurants and bars near the Vatican now are not merciful to foreign tourists – warn the Italian media

raise the price, in addition, have different tariffs, depending on the nationality of supported tourists.

The effect of the Holy Year in Rome – so determined dealings windowania prices in the premises, and even snack bars near St. Peter’s Square and Basilica at leading via della Conciliazione.

Foreigners are ruthlessly looting – alerts newspaper, expressing fears that this phenomenon may be enhanced with the approach of the Holy Year, during which the expected influx of hundreds of thousands, even millions of pilgrims from all over the world.

While the Roman bars cup of espresso or cappuccino costs an average of 0.90 – 1.50 euro, it happens that the Vatican circle of foreigners are asked to 4 – 5 euros. An ordinary sandwich visitors must pay 5 euros and a fruit salad in a small bowl – from 9 to 15 euros. For the restaurateurs table wine carafe charge a 20 euro and a glass of prosecco – 10 euros. Simplest plate of pasta is 9 euros. Sometimes these high prices do not appear in the menu, and customers learn about them only on receipt of the bill.

It has been observed that the highest bills get Japanese, the Germans, the Americans, the British, but also Italians came from other parts of the country . For milder treatment and lower prices can always count Romans. Sandwich priced at 5 euros for foreign tourists inhabitant of the Eternal City can be purchased for 3.50 euros.

“It’s thieves, scammers who harm the image of Rome” – so for all those who are pushing up prices, says chairman metropolitan federation of trade and services Rosario Cerra. In the press admits that the Great Jubilee, announced by Pope Francis is a great opportunity for the industry, but in his opinion such fraudulent use of tourists and pilgrims is shameful.

People choosing to Rome also observes, before hiring Nights on the Internet. What matters is that about 25,000 advertisers there hotels, guesthouses and other accommodation work illegally, without being registered, and therefore is not subject to any checks. In December of them will be twice as much – warns Roman federation of hoteliers. They call for a fight with the hotel’s underground.