Italy has abolished a long-standing practice to allow people aged 65 or over free access to the country’s 225 state-owned museums, galleries and archeological sites.

The move is an attempt to level the playing field for other visitors, according to the country’s government, which is also aiming to balance the cultural books.

Sites such as Rome’s Colosseum and Pompeii are included in 2013 statistics showing that around 26 per cent of visitors to these sites qualified for free entrance due to their age, and the country’s new culture minister Dario Franceschini is looking to recoup Italy’s underfunded cultural sector’s financial deficit and bring Italy “in line with other EU countries.”

Under-18s will still be allowed free entry under the new legislation and half-price entry will apply for 18-25 year olds from within the European Union, while free entry will be applicable to all attractions on the first Sunday of every month.

Speaking during an annual conference on cultural affairs, Franceschini said that the changes to admission and opening hours would “make free entry more equal,” with other initiatives including twice-yearly late-night openings (8pm-midnight) with tickets costing €1 (US$1.34, £0.79) and extended hours until 10pm every Friday at major venues.