Rome has taken a new step in its long-running battle against overtourism by introducing a €2 entry fee for visitors who want close access to the Trevi Fountain. The measure, which applies to tourists and non-residents, marks a significant shift in how the city manages one of its most iconic and heavily visited landmarks.
Completed in 1762 and immortalized by films such as La Dolce Vita, the Trevi Fountain has become a symbol not only of Rome’s artistic heritage but also of the pressures mass tourism places on historic cities.
The new fee applies only during specific daytime hours, when congestion around the fountain is at its worst. On weekdays, ticketed access is required from late morning through the evening, while weekend hours begin earlier. Outside these windows, including late-night hours, visitors can still approach the fountain freely. Importantly, the surrounding square remains open to everyone, allowing passersby to admire the monument from a distance without charge.
Managing crowds at one of Rome’s busiest landmarks
City officials say the goal is not to deter visitors but to manage flows more effectively and improve the experience for those who come. Around ten million people visited the Trevi Fountain last year, often creating dense crowds that made movement difficult and limited the ability to enjoy the site. By regulating close access through a modest fee, Rome hopes to reduce chaos, create safer conditions, and allow visitors more space to take photos and perform the famous coin-toss ritual.
The policy includes several exemptions. Residents of Rome are not required to pay, nor are children under six, visitors with disabilities, or their companions. Officials have emphasized that the measure is designed to balance accessibility with sustainability, rather than turn the fountain into an exclusive attraction.
Revenue generated from the entry fee is expected to be reinvested directly into maintenance and preservation. The Trevi Fountain requires ongoing care due to constant exposure to water, pollution, and heavy foot traffic. While the coins thrown into the basin will continue to be donated to charity, the new ticket income is forecast to provide millions of euros annually to support conservation work across the city’s cultural heritage sites.
The Trevi Fountain fee is part of a broader trend in Italy and across Europe, as historic cities experiment with new tools to manage visitor numbers. Venice has already implemented a day-tripper access charge for its historic center, while Rome introduced a separate fee to enter the Pantheon. Compared with price hikes at major museums elsewhere in Europe, Rome’s €2 charge remains relatively modest.
Reactions from visitors have so far been mixed but largely pragmatic. Many travelers view the fee as a small price to pay for a calmer, more enjoyable experience at one of the world’s most famous fountains. As Rome continues to refine its approach to tourism management, the Trevi Fountain has become a testing ground for how cities can protect cultural icons without closing them off to the public.