Rome Introduces Access Fee for Trevi Fountain Amid Growing Tourist Crowds

Teresa Romero found herself in the heart of Rome, celebrating a milestone birthday. One of her first stops was the iconic Trevi Fountain, where she participated in the enchanting ritual of tossing a coin into its sparkling waters. However, before she could get close to the monument, she faced a new requirement: a €2 access fee, recently implemented by city officials after extensive discussions. "I think it's normal and €2 is nothing, the price of a coffee," Romero remarked as she left the fountain, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical sites. This new fee, effective from 11:30 AM to 10 PM on weekdays and from 9 AM to 10 PM on weekends, aims to help manage the overwhelming crowds and generate funds for the fountain's upkeep. In 2025 alone, over 10 million visitors made their way to the Trevi Fountain. The access charge applies only to those descending the fountain’s steps to reach the basin, where they can engage in the traditional coin toss—a gesture believed to ensure a return to the Eternal City—and capture selfies. Visitors are prohibited from eating, drinking, or smoking in the area. Residents of Rome, individuals with disabilities, and children under six years old are exempt from this fee. Simona Ugolinelli, the city councillor overseeing the initiative, defended the small fee as a necessary measure to protect the Trevi Fountain. "This small payment will help us protect the Trevi Fountain, while allowing us to invest in it and other city monuments," Ugolinelli stated. With projections anticipating an annual revenue of €6.5 million from the fee, the funds are intended to enhance the preservation efforts for the fountain and other historic sites within the Italian capital. Ugolinelli further pointed out that Rome's approach is not unique, especially when compared to similar fees charged at major tourist destinations around the world. Her words echoed the sentiment that this measure would lead to a more sustainable tourism experience while safeguarding the city's cultural heritage. As the newly introduced fee went into effect, visitors were seen happily paying either in cash or via contactless payment machines, with the option to purchase tickets online. Yet, not all tourists were in agreement with the decision. Irma Pavitashvili from Georgia expressed her dissatisfaction, stating, "This isn't a good thing at all. This fountain should be for everyone." Similarly, Alma Peterson from the United States shared her concerns, saying, "It's not right to charge people; this is history, and it should be free." As tourist numbers in Rome and Italy continue to surge, the trend of charging for entry to previously free attractions is gaining traction. Since 2023, a €5 entry fee has been enforced at the Pantheon, a monumental temple built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, celebrated for its stunning oculus. According to Ugolinelli, that fee has been successful in managing visitor flows. Furthermore, visitors to Venice are compelled to pay for entry during peak tourist seasons, and a recent fee was established for the courtyard associated with Shakespeare’s 'Romeo and Juliet' in Verona. As Rome embraces this new era of tourism management, it raises questions about balancing accessibility with the need for preservation, sparking discussions among visitors about the nature of cultural heritage in the age of mass tourism. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2