Published on December 22, 2025

Rome is set to introduce a €2 fee for access to the iconic Trevi Fountain’s stone steps starting February 2025, with the goal of raising over €6 million annually. This new project is a component of the city’s plan to better manage tourism, guaranteeing the preservation of its historic sites while providing a more regulated and pleasurable visitor experience. In order to balance the demands of tourism and cultural heritage preservation, the money made from the millions of visitors to the fountain each year will be reinvested in the monument’s upkeep and protection.
In a significant move aimed at generating funds for the preservation and promotion of Italy’s cultural landmarks, the city of Rome will soon begin charging a €2 fee for access to the iconic Trevi Fountain’s stone steps. The new policy, which will take effect on February 1, 2025, is part of a broader strategy to increase revenue from Rome’s world-renowned attractions. With an estimated annual revenue of €6.5 million, the initiative will contribute to sustaining the city’s rich cultural heritage.
For centuries, the Trevi Fountain has been a symbol of Rome’s grandeur. Built in 1762, it is one of the city’s most beloved monuments, drawing millions of visitors each year. The fountain, designed in the Baroque style, features a stunning representation of Oceanus, the god of all water, and is a masterpiece of sculpture and architecture. It has long been a place of tradition, where tourists and locals alike toss coins into the water, hoping to return to the Eternal City.
Starting in February 2025, tourists who wish to get closer to the fountain, specifically to access the stone steps surrounding its basin, will be required to pay the new €2 fee. However, visitors can still enjoy the view of the fountain from the adjacent square, which will remain open and free to the public. This change is expected to impact the flow of tourists, with many opting to view the fountain from afar rather than paying for access to the steps.
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This new fee system is part of a broader trend seen in cities across Italy. Rome has already introduced entry fees for some of its other historic sites, such as the Pantheon, which began charging a €5 entrance fee in 2023. The success of this move has encouraged city officials to expand the practice to other cultural landmarks, further aligning with Italy’s ongoing efforts to generate additional revenue from tourism.
The charge for accessing the Trevi Fountain’s steps is expected to help fund the maintenance and restoration of Rome’s cultural heritage. As the city grapples with increasing costs for preservation, generating revenue through entry fees will allow for greater investment in keeping these historic sites in pristine condition. The new policy is also part of a broader European trend, where cities such as Venice and Verona have introduced similar measures to capitalize on their cultural attractions and alleviate the financial burden of preservation.
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The Trevi Fountain attracts around 9 million visitors annually, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rome. The €2 entry fee is anticipated to have a minimal impact on visitor numbers, as the majority of tourists still come to enjoy the fountain from the public square. However, this new initiative is expected to generate a steady stream of revenue that will be reinvested into maintaining the city’s cultural offerings.
Rome is not alone in this shift toward monetizing cultural sites. In recent years, other European cities have adopted similar strategies, especially during peak tourist seasons. Venice, for example, has introduced an entry fee system during the busiest months, while Verona began charging for access to Juliet’s balcony, a site closely associated with Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” These efforts reflect a growing desire to protect cultural heritage while balancing the needs of the tourism industry.
In the case of the Trevi Fountain, the revenue generated by the €2 fee will not only help with maintenance costs but also contribute to the broader goal of sustainable tourism. By limiting the number of people who can access the steps at any given time, the fee system is expected to reduce overcrowding and provide a more comfortable experience for those who visit.
As tourism continues to rebound across Europe, it is clear that the future of cultural tourism may depend on finding new ways to balance access with preservation. Rome’s introduction of the Trevi Fountain fee is just one example of how cities are evolving to meet the demands of both tourists and the need for sustainable, long-term management of cultural treasures.
Starting February 2025, Rome will charge a €2 fee for access to the Trevi Fountain’s stone steps, aiming to raise over €6 million annually to support the preservation of its cultural landmarks and improve the visitor experience. This move seeks to better manage tourist traffic while ensuring the sustainability of the monument.
With the city’s commitment to maintaining its cultural heritage and investing in the future of tourism, visitors to Rome can expect an enriched experience while helping to preserve the landmarks that make the city one of the most visited destinations in the world.
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