Rome to Charge Tourists to Visit Trevi Fountain in Bid to Protect Heritage
Starting February 1, 2026, Rome will introduce a new €2 admission fee for tourists wishing to access the lower basin and steps of the iconic Trevi Fountain. The measure aims to manage overcrowding, enhance the visitor experience, and fund the preservation of the 18th-century Baroque landmark.
Key Details of the New Fee
Cost: €2 per person
Who Pays: Tourists and non-residents; Italian citizens and Rome residents will continue to enjoy free access.
What’s Included: The fee applies only to descending to the fountain’s basin and steps—the traditional spot for coin tossing. Viewing the fountain from the surrounding Piazza di Trevi remains free for all.
Operating Hours: Regulated access between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.; after 9 p.m., entry becomes free and unrestricted.
Exemptions: Children under five, people with disabilities and one companion, and local residents.
Managing Crowds and Preserving Heritage
The Trevi Fountain attracts tens of thousands of visitors daily, leading to congestion, wear on the monument, and chaotic scenes. The new system includes:
Capped visitor numbers on the lower level
Controlled entry points with barriers and queuing paths
Advanced ticket sales online, via mobile apps, or through hotels and official tourist points
Rationale and Expected Benefits
Mayor Roberto Gualtieri stated that the modest fee is unlikely to deter visitors but will help create a more orderly experience. The city estimates the charge could generate up to €6.5 million annually, earmarked for:
Maintenance and restoration of the Trevi Fountain
Broader heritage conservation projects across Rome
Part of a Broader Trend
Rome’s move aligns with strategies adopted by other European cities facing overtourism, such as Venice, Athens, and Seville. These destinations have implemented similar measures—including tourist levies and timed entry systems—to protect cultural assets and ensure sustainable tourism.
Mixed Reactions
While some tourism officials and visitors support the fee as a sensible step toward preservation and crowd management, others argue that historic public landmarks should remain entirely free. Critics worry that the charge could set a precedent for fees at other cultural sites.
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Looking Ahead
The introduction of the Trevi Fountain fee marks a significant shift in how Rome balances tourism demand with heritage protection. For tourists, it adds a small cost to a previously free experience; for the city, it represents a proactive approach to safeguarding one of the world’s most beloved monuments for future generations.
