Rome will soon introduce a €2 (£1.75; $2.34) entry fee for tourists who want to view the Trevi Fountain up close, marking a significant change for one of the city’s most visited landmarks.
The new charge will come into force on 1 February 2026 as part of a wider effort to manage crowds and fund maintenance at major attractions in the Italian capital.
The Trevi Fountain, which attracts around 9 million visitors a year and an average of 30,000 people a day, will remain visible for free from a distance. However, tourists and non-residents who want closer access to the Baroque monument will need to pay, while the City of Rome expects the measure to raise around €6.5m annually.
Why Rome is charging for one of its most famous sights
The decision follows years of growing pressure on the historic site, which was built in the 18th century by Italian architect Nicola Salvi. While coins tossed into the fountain are donated to charity, the new entrance fees will go directly to the city authority to help pay for upkeep and visitor management.
Announcing the move, Rome’s mayor stressed that the charge is intended to improve the experience rather than restrict access. “Two euros isn’t very much … and it will lead to less chaotic tourist flows,” said Roberto Gualtieri, Mayor of Rome.
The Trevi levy forms part of a new tariff system being introduced across selected museums and monuments in Rome. Under the changes, several attractions that currently charge admission will become free for city residents, including the Sacred Area of Largo Argentina. At the same time, tourists and non-residents will have to pay to access the Trevi Fountain and five other sites, among them the Napoleonic Museum.
Who pays — and who gets in free
Certain groups will be exempt from the new Trevi Fountain fee. Children under the age of 5, as well as people with disabilities and an accompanying person, will not have to pay. City officials say the aim is to balance accessibility with the practical challenges of managing one of Europe’s busiest public landmarks.
The move builds on measures already introduced after restoration work last year, when a queuing system was brought in to prevent overcrowding. Access to the immediate viewing area is now capped at 400 people at any one time, a limit that will remain in place once the entry fee is introduced.
For travellers planning a future trip to Rome, the change reflects a broader trend across Europe’s most popular destinations, where authorities are experimenting with small fees to protect heritage sites and improve visitor flow. Whether tourists see the €2 charge as a fair price for a closer look at one of the world’s most famous fountains may shape how other cities approach overtourism in the years ahead.
Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com
