Rome to Charge 2.34 USD to Tourists for Access to Trevi Fountain from February 1 Just Before Summer Travel, This New Fee Can Be Helpful to Avoid Overtourism and Fund Preservation

Published on December 20, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Starting February 1, Rome will introduce a 2.34 USD fee for tourists wishing to access the Trevi Fountain. This new fee aims to manage the growing number of visitors ahead of the busy summer travel season. The charge, while modest, will help avoid overtourism and fund preservation efforts for one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. By implementing this fee, Rome hopes to balance the influx of tourists with the preservation of its cultural heritage. This fee will ensure that the Trevi Fountain remains a must-see for generations to come. Keep reading to discover how this initiative impacts future visits.

The Trevi Fountain has always been a must-see landmark for visitors, but the new fee aims to address overcrowding while allowing citizens to still enjoy the view for free. With around 9 million visitors expected in 2025, this move is expected to reduce congestion and raise approximately 6.5 million euros annually. The decision is part of a growing trend in Italy, as cities like Venice and Verona have also implemented similar entry fees to manage tourism pressure on cultural heritage sites.

Visitors are increasingly aware of the importance of preserving these iconic landmarks, and many are willing to pay for the privilege if the funds are used for maintenance and preservation. The decision is a significant shift in how Rome handles its tourism, balancing the preservation of its cultural sites with the practical need for funds and crowd control.

A New Era for the Trevi Fountain: How the Fee Will Work

Starting February 1, 2026, visitors to the Trevi Fountain will be required to pay a two-euro fee to access the stone steps surrounding the fountain. The small fee, while modest, is expected to bring in significant revenue for the preservation of the site. However, the surrounding area, including the small square offering a view of the fountain, will remain free for all to access.

This carefully planned initiative seeks to reduce the congestion caused by large numbers of tourists trying to get a closer view of the famous landmark. The fee will apply only to those who want to sit on the steps near the water, helping to manage foot traffic around the fountain, which has become a central tourist magnet in Rome. According to Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, the fee will lead to less chaotic tourist flows, offering a more comfortable experience for both visitors and local residents.

Tourism in Rome: Balancing Access and Preservation

Tourism in Rome has always been a major part of the city’s economy. Iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain draw millions of visitors each year. However, the influx of tourists has led to overcrowding, especially at popular sites.

The introduction of a fee for the Trevi Fountain is part of Rome’s broader strategy to manage these crowds while preserving the integrity of its historical sites. The two-euro fee is expected to raise around 6.5 million euros annually, which will go towards preserving the fountain and maintaining the surrounding area. Preservation funds are essential for maintaining the Trevi Fountain’s historical integrity, ensuring that it remains a must-see for generations to come.

This new approach has sparked discussions about how other popular attractions around the world could follow suit in terms of visitor management and cultural preservation.

A Trend in Italy: Other Cities Follow Suit

Rome is not the only Italian city addressing the challenges of tourism management. Venice has already introduced a tourist entry-fee system to manage the influx of visitors, especially during peak seasons. The city of Verona, famous for its association with Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” has also begun charging tourists for access to the Juliet’s Balcony.

These measures reflect a broader trend across Italy, where local governments are looking for ways to generate revenue from tourism while protecting their cultural heritage sites. The shift toward charging entry fees for popular attractions is becoming more widespread in Europe. Cities are recognizing the need to balance tourism accessibility with the responsibility of maintaining their historical landmarks. As more cities around the world face similar challenges, Rome’s move could serve as a model for others.

How Visitors Feel About the New Fee

The introduction of the two-euro fee has been met with mixed reactions from tourists. Many visitors are willing to pay the small fee if it means helping preserve such an iconic site. British tourist Yvonne Salustri commented that she was happy to pay the fee if the funds were used to maintain the fountain. “If it means that money is used to keep it maintained, then yeah, that’s fine,” she said. This sentiment echoes the thoughts of many who see the fee as a small price to ensure the Trevi Fountain’s longevity. However, some tourists have expressed concerns about the growing number of fees for accessing famous landmarks in Rome, which could affect how they experience the city’s attractions.

What This Means for Future Tourism in Rome

The introduction of a fee for the Trevi Fountain marks a significant shift in how Rome will manage tourism moving forward. As tourist numbers continue to rise, cities will need to find ways to balance access to iconic sites with preservation efforts. This new initiative could be the start of broader tourism reforms in Rome, with other popular landmarks potentially introducing similar entry fees. With 6.5 million euros expected to be raised each year, the city has the opportunity to reinvest in its cultural heritage and ensure that Rome’s historical sites continue to shine for future generations. However, the introduction of these fees also raises important questions about the long-term impact on tourism. Will visitors be deterred by the fees, or will they see them as a necessary step in preserving the city’s heritage?

Rome’s Approach: The Future of Cultural Heritage Preservation

As the introduction of the Trevi Fountain fee approaches, Rome sets an example for other cities struggling with similar challenges of overcrowding and preservation. By charging a small fee for access to the fountain’s steps, Rome is ensuring that its historic sites remain intact while continuing to draw visitors. With similar systems in place across Italy, cities like Venice and Verona are leading the way in balancing tourism management and cultural preservation. The future of Rome’s tourism strategy will likely involve more focused efforts on sustainable tourism that benefits both local residents and visitors alike.