Tourists planning to visit Rome's world-famous Trevi Fountain will need to budget for a new small charge, as city authorities introduce an entrance fee to access the monument's front basin.
A New Fee for a Timeless Landmark
Starting on 1 February, visitors wishing to get up close to the late Baroque masterpiece during daylight hours will be required to pay a fee of €2 (approximately £1.75). The charge was officially announced on Friday, 19 December 2025, by Rome's city council. This move is designed to tackle the severe tourist congestion that floods the small piazza, which sees an immense volume of foot traffic daily.
Officials estimate the new levy could bring in an extra €6.5 million (£5.7m) per year for the city's coffers. These funds are earmarked to support the extensive maintenance required for Rome's vast array of cultural heritage sites and to improve the overall visitor experience. It is important to note that viewing the fountain from the surrounding piazza above will remain completely free of charge.
Part of a Broader Strategy Against Overtourism
The Trevi Fountain fee is not an isolated measure. It follows a similar ticketing system implemented at the Pantheon and mirrors efforts by other Italian cities, like Venice, which introduced a tourist day-tripper tax last year. The overarching goal is to manage overtourism, ease pressure on historic centres, and improve liveability for local residents.
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri emphasised that the fee is a "minimal amount" intended to organise visits rather than deter tourists. The decision was made after a successful year-long trial that used controlled queues and designated pathways to limit the number of people at the fountain's edge. Mayor Gualtieri revealed that around 9 million people have queued for close access so far this year, with daily numbers reaching as high as 70,000.
Exemptions and Practical Details
The new system will be permanently in effect from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.. Crucially, registered residents of Rome will be exempt from the charge, aligning with a wider city policy to make culture a "fundamental right of citizenship." This exemption coincides with plans to broaden free access to city museums for locals.
Tourists can pay the fee in several ways:
- In advance online.
- While waiting in the queue.
- At various tourist information points around the city.
After nightfall, access reverts to being open and free for all.
The Fountain's Enduring Legend
Commissioned by Pope Urban VIII in 1640 and completed based on architect Nicola Salvi's designs in the 18th century, the Trevi Fountain is an icon of cinematic history thanks to its starring role in Federico Fellini's La Dolce Vita. While the famous dip taken by Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg is now prohibited, the tradition of tossing a coin over one's shoulder to ensure a return to Rome continues to draw millions, who will now contribute a little more directly to the fountain's future.
