Trevi Fountain to Introduce €2 Access Fee Amid Conflicting Dates
Rome, Italy, is introducing a €2 entrance fee for visitors seeking close access to the Trevi Fountain. The measure aims to manage tourist numbers, generate revenue, and fund the monument's maintenance. Local residents will be exempt from the charge.
New Access Fee Implementation
An access fee of €2 is being implemented for individuals wishing to access the immediate vicinity or designated viewing area of Rome's Trevi Fountain. This area was previously accessible without charge.
Sources provide conflicting information regarding the exact effective date of this new policy. Some reports indicate the fee is scheduled to take effect on February 1, 2026, while other sources state the fee was implemented on a recent Monday.
Objectives and Rationale
The primary objectives for introducing this fee, according to authorities, include:
- Monument Maintenance: Funds collected will be directed towards the maintenance of the Trevi Fountain.
- Visitor Management: The fee is intended to help manage the influx of visitors and mitigate chaotic tourist flows, potentially reducing crowding and improving the overall experience at the historic site.
- Revenue Generation: The initiative aims to generate revenue for the city authority. Officials project an annual revenue of €6.5 million from the fountain through this charge.
Rome's Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, commented on the new fee, stating, "two euros isn't very much ... and it will lead to less chaotic tourist flows," as reported by Reuters.
Financial Allocation and Context
Unlike the coins traditionally tossed into the Trevi Fountain, which are allocated to charitable organizations, the collected entrance fees will be directed to the city authority for monument maintenance and visitor flow management.
This charge aligns with other tourism management strategies in Italy, such as a €5 tourist ticket for some city museums and Venice's day-tripper tax, aimed at addressing overtourism and covering maintenance expenses of cultural heritage.
Access Details and Exemptions
The €2 fee grants tourists close-up access to the Trevi Fountain during peak daylight hours. However, the view of the fountain from the piazza above, as well as close access after designated operating hours, will remain free of charge.
Local residents of Rome are exempt from the fee. Payment for the fee can reportedly be made online in advance.
Visitor Response
Some visitors have reportedly expressed support for the measure, anticipating reduced crowding and an improved experience. Other visitors have indicated acceptance of the new charge, viewing it as a minor cost for enhanced access.
About the Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is a significant Baroque landmark and one of Rome's primary tourist attractions, receiving approximately nine million visitors annually. The fountain features the Titan god Oceanus and is famously depicted in Federico Fellini's film "La Dolce Vita."