Balcony, why art thou expensive?

This file picture taken on January 17, 2008 in Verona shows Juliet Capulet's balcony, at the house believed to be the home of the heroine in William Shakespeare's classic tale of star-crossed lovers, "Romeo and Juliet" . AFP PHOTO/FILES/MAURIZIO LAPIRA

This file picture taken on January 17, 2008 in Verona shows Juliet Capulet's balcony, at the house believed to be the home of the heroine in William Shakespeare's classic tale of star-crossed lovers, "Romeo and Juliet" . AFP PHOTO/FILES/MAURIZIO LAPIRA

Published Jan 13, 2015

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Rome - Tourists will soon have to pay to see Romeo and Juliet's balcony in the northern Italian city of Verona.

According to a report Monday by Italy's ANSA news agency, local authorities are finalising plans to introduce a 2.50-euro ($3) entry fee to the courtyard that hosts the balcony and a statue of the heroine.

While the characters in William Shakespeare's play are fictional, couples from all over the world flock to see the balcony that is associated with the history of Romeo and Juliet.

The tourist attraction draws an estimated 1.5 million visitors per year.

Local authorities are already charging tourists 6 euros to enter Juliet's House, a museum that gives visitors a chance to peek from the famous balcony.

The place is also available for rent as a wedding venue. - Sapa-dpa

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