New €2 Fee for Trevi Fountain Marks a Turning Point: Rome Takes Bold Action to Address Overtourism and Maintain the Monument’s Timeless Charm

Published on December 23, 2025

Rome, Italy, one of the most visited cities in the world, is about to introduce a change to how tourists experience one of its most iconic landmarks – the Trevi Fountain. Beginning on 1 February 2026, visitors wishing to approach the Trevi Fountain’s water basin will be required to pay a small fee of €2. This new access fee is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to manage overtourism and reduce overcrowding at this historic site. While the tradition of tossing coins into the fountain remains intact, the changes will help ensure that visitors can still enjoy the beauty of this masterpiece without the overwhelming crowds that have often obstructed views and diminished the experience.

The Trevi Fountain, built between 1732 and 1762, is Rome’s most famous landmark and one of the most photographed monuments in the world. It has captivated tourists, filmmakers, and romantics alike for centuries. Situated at the junction of three roads, it has always been a gathering point for tourists. However, as visitor numbers continue to rise each year, this picturesque spot has become increasingly difficult to enjoy. The new fee aims to address these challenges while ensuring that the Trevi Fountain continues to be a symbol of Rome’s grandeur for future generations.

For those who prefer not to pay, the view from a distance will remain completely free, allowing access to the monument for all. However, the new measure will provide visitors who choose to pay with a more intimate and less crowded experience at the fountain’s edge.

What the New Fee Means for Visitors to the Trevi Fountain

Rome is not the only European city to take action against overtourism. Venice, for example, is charging a day-tripper tax on peak weekends, and other popular destinations across the continent are exploring ways to manage growing tourist numbers. The introduction of the €2 fee for access to the Trevi Fountain viewing area is just one of several steps Rome’s municipal authorities are taking to preserve its historical treasures while balancing the needs of visitors and residents.

• Fee Details: Starting on 1 February 2026, a €2 fee will apply to enter the zone directly adjacent to the Trevi Fountain‘s water basin.
• Exemptions: Children under five years old, people with disabilities, and one accompanying person will not need to pay.
• Free Viewing: Visitors can still enjoy the Trevi Fountain’s beauty from a distance without any charge.
• Revenue Use: The revenue generated will go directly towards the maintenance and preservation of the Trevi Fountain, ensuring it remains in pristine condition for future generations.

The Impact of Overtourism in Rome: A Growing Concern

Rome is one of the most visited cities in Europe, attracting millions of tourists every year. With its ancient history, artistic treasures, and iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican, and Pantheon, it’s no surprise that the city often finds itself overrun with visitors. The Trevi Fountain, in particular, faces some of the most significant overcrowding issues, with thousands of tourists vying for space at the fountain’s base.

As a result, tourists sometimes find it difficult to fully appreciate the monument, with large crowds making it challenging to take photos or even get close to the fountain. The new access fee is part of Rome’s strategy to reduce these crowds while still ensuring the Trevi Fountain remains a key tourist attraction.

In addition to this, the introduction of the fee is an attempt to combat the broader issue of overtourism that has plagued Europe’s historic centers. By introducing small fees for popular landmarks, cities like Rome aim to regulate access and ensure that the experience of visiting these historical treasures is both enjoyable and sustainable.

Why the Trevi Fountain Is Worth the Visit

The Trevi Fountain is undoubtedly one of the world’s most recognizable monuments. Constructed during the papacy of Pope Clement XII, the fountain was designed by architect Niccolò Salvi and sculptor Giuseppe Pannini. Its grandeur and beauty have made it a focal point in Rome’s Baroque architecture. The fountain’s vast size, combined with its majestic sculptures and stunning water features, create a breathtaking scene that draws millions of visitors each year.

• Architectural Beauty: The fountain is a magnificent example of Baroque art, with statues and carvings depicting scenes from Roman mythology.
• Iconic Film Moments: It is famously featured in classic films like “La Dolce Vita”, where actress Anita Ekberg took a memorable dip in the fountain.
• Coin Toss Tradition: Visitors from all over the world participate in the tradition of tossing coins into the fountain. It is believed that tossing one coin guarantees a return to Rome, while two coins promise love and three coins predict marriage.

Despite the new access fee, Rome’s Trevi Fountain remains a must-see destination for tourists, and the tradition of coin tossing will continue, further connecting visitors to the fountain’s rich history.

Managing the Funds: How the €2 Fee Will Be Used

The €2 access fee aims to generate approximately €6.5 million annually, a significant sum that will be reinvested into the maintenance and restoration of the Trevi Fountain and surrounding area. This will help preserve the fountain’s structure, reduce wear and tear from large crowds, and ensure its continued role as a vital part of Rome’s cultural heritage. The revenue will also go toward improving the visitor experience, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same stunning views of the fountain that many before them have had the privilege to witness.

The city’s decision to allocate the fee towards maintenance and preservation is a critical step in ensuring the longevity of Rome’s historical treasures. As tourism continues to grow, the need for sustainable solutions to protect these landmarks becomes even more urgent.

Other European Cities Addressing Overtourism

Rome is not alone in its efforts to tackle overtourism. Venice has already implemented a similar tax on day-trippers, charging tourists who visit the city for short stays during peak weekends. Cities like Barcelona and Amsterdam have also taken steps to reduce overcrowding and manage the effects of high tourist numbers on their urban infrastructure. The introduction of fees or regulations in high-traffic areas helps to balance the needs of tourists, residents, and the preservation of cultural heritage sites.

Rome’s decision to introduce an access fee to the Trevi Fountain aligns with these growing efforts across Europe to create a more sustainable tourism model. The city’s leadership is setting an example for other major destinations, ensuring that tourism can continue to flourish without compromising the integrity of Rome’s cultural heritage.

What This Means for Future Visitors to Rome

The introduction of the €2 fee will not significantly change the experience of visiting the Trevi Fountain for most tourists. For those who wish to get closer to the fountain, the fee will provide a more intimate experience, free from the crowds that often detract from the enjoyment of the monument. The free viewing option ensures that anyone can still visit the fountain without paying, maintaining accessibility for all.

The new fee is an important step in ensuring that Rome’s Trevi Fountain remains not only a symbol of Italy’s rich history but also a sustainable attraction for future generations. Visitors can continue to enjoy this remarkable monument while knowing that the funds generated will go directly towards its preservation.

Conclusion

Rome’s decision to introduce a €2 access fee to the Trevi Fountain viewing area marks a new chapter in the city’s ongoing efforts to manage overtourism. With increasing visitor numbers, this small change will help reduce overcrowding while ensuring that the Trevi Fountain remains accessible and preserved for future generations. As cities across Europe look for ways to tackle the challenges posed by high tourist demand, Rome’s strategy could become a model for other popular destinations around the world.