New €2 Entry Fee for Rome’s Trevi Fountain
Starting February 1, 2026, a €2 (approximately $2.35) entry fee will be introduced for tourists visiting the basin area of Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain. This announcement was made by Rome Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, as part of an initiative to manage overtourism, preserve the 18th-century Baroque masterpiece, and enhance the visitor experience.
The historic fountain, a major tourist attraction that draws approximately 30,000 visitors daily and up to 70,000 on peak days, has welcomed over 9 million tourists between January and early December 2024. The new ticketing system is projected to generate an annual revenue of €6.5 million ($7.6 million) for the city. These funds will be allocated towards the maintenance, restoration projects, and preservation of Rome’s cultural heritage sites.
While the fee will be required for close-up access to the fountain’s stone steps and basin, visitors can still enjoy a free view of the monument from the surrounding square. Exemptions from the charge apply to Rome residents, persons with disabilities, and children under age 5. Tickets can be purchased online or at the fountain using cards and contactless payment methods.
This decision follows a successful pilot program that was implemented during recent maintenance work. The program tested crowd management strategies through limited and timed access. This initiative is part of Rome’s broader efforts to combat overtourism, following similar measures introduced at the Pantheon monument in 2023 and Venice’s tourist entry fee system launched in 2024.
The Trevi Fountain has faced increasing preservation challenges due to high foot traffic. Visitors often sit on the fountain’s edges and leave trash behind. City officials emphasize that the modest fee will help ensure less chaotic tourist flows while maintaining the fountain’s status as one of the world’s most celebrated waterworks.
Source: CBS News