Italy: Security comes at a price

Admission prices to Italian museums and cultural sites may have to be raised to pay for new security measures. Culture Minister Rocco Buttiglione says Italy is evaluating the levels of risk to determine which sites need metal detectors, stepped-up electronic surveillance, an increase in personnel -- and possibly higher entrance fees.

“I don’t want to spare any expense on security measures,” he said. “And if I don’t get money from other sources, then I may have to raise prices of tickets.”

At the Uffizi in Florence, home of Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and the first site where security was tightened after the deadly London bombings on July 7, metal detectors and a limit of 780 visitors allowed inside at one time have lengthened lines and cut attendance. Ticket sales fell by 11% in July.

“I’m sure people are willing to suffer this inconvenience to feel that they are secure and protected and they can peacefully enjoy their vacations,” Buttiglione said. “And if you don’t want to stand in a long queue in front of the Uffizi, there are so many other beautiful things to be seen in Florence.”