Rome’s Trevi Fountain and Other Iconic Italian Landmarks to Charge Tourist Fees, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 18, 2025

Another famous site in Italy that will ask for payment to visit in the future is Rome’s Trevi Fountain. Ranked among the top tourist attractions globally, this fountain has been free to visit since it was erected in 1762. This fountain has consistently welcomed millions of visitors annually. Starting in 2026, however, visitors to this site will pay to visit following the move by the city of Rome to charge non-resident tourists an entry fee.

This proposal has caused a lot of discussion, and it seems that many people are considering, on the one hand, the advantages that crowd control can bring, and, on the other, that it could mean abandoning the openness that comes along with access to the fountain. Here’s how this tourism tax affects tourists, as well as its connection to a larger phenomenon that has been taking place in Italian tourism.

Trevi Fountain’s Historical Significance and Popularity

The Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most stunning Baroque landmarks, has been a symbol of the city for centuries. Designed by architect Nicola Salvi, the fountain was originally built to celebrate the completion of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, which supplied water to Rome’s population. The fountain’s sculptural grandeur and its connection to the Roman Catholic Church’s wealth and influence at the time have only added to its historical allure.

Each year, millions of tourists flock to the fountain, many of them hoping to fulfill the famous legend of throwing a coin into the water to ensure a return to Rome. With such significant tourist traffic, it’s no wonder that city officials have decided to take measures to preserve the site and manage the crowds.

In the first half of 2025 alone, approximately 5.3 million tourists visited the Trevi Fountain, demonstrating its continued appeal as a must-see attraction in Rome. But as the number of visitors increases, so do concerns about overcrowding and the impact this has on the preservation of the fountain itself.

New Tourist Fee to Manage Crowds and Preserve the Fountain

The city of Rome has proposed a €2 (£1.76) entry fee for tourists visiting the Trevi Fountain, with a separate entrance designated for locals. The fee is intended to reduce the high volume of visitors that often swarm the fountain’s surrounding area, making it difficult for tourists to experience the site peacefully and for locals to go about their daily lives.

The fee would apply solely to tourists, while local residents would be exempt from the charge, maintaining their free access to the monument. This change is expected to come into effect on January 7, 2026, though the city council has stated that they are still reviewing the proposal, and its implementation is not yet finalized.

Supporters of the new fee argue that it is a necessary step to protect the fountain and improve the overall visitor experience. With fewer tourists crowding the space, there will be a better opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the fountain, as well as a more manageable flow of visitors. This move aligns with similar decisions in other tourist-heavy destinations, where managing visitor numbers has become a growing concern.

However, the announcement has also received significant backlash, with critics voicing concerns that the introduction of the fee will detract from the historic charm of the Trevi Fountain. Some argue that the fee could undermine the essence of the site, which has been a public space for centuries and is one of Rome’s most cherished open-air monuments.

A Divided Public Opinion

The decision to charge tourists at the Trevi Fountain has sparked a divided reaction among the public. On one hand, there are those who see it as a positive step toward managing the massive crowds that frequently surround the monument. For instance, one social media user expressed support for the idea, saying, “Good idea. I tried walking through the area last November and could barely move, so many people.” This sentiment is echoed by others who feel that controlling the crowds will create a more pleasant experience for visitors and locals alike.

On the other hand, many others believe that the introduction of an entry fee will damage the authenticity and free accessibility of the landmark. A number of critics have voiced concerns that adding turnstiles and barriers at such an iconic site would detract from its visual beauty and historic appeal. “How does one completely ruin and destroy the beauty of historical Italian architecture and monuments? Stick an ugly turnstile entrance and barriers in front of it,” one user commented.

For many tourists, the Trevi Fountain’s charm lies in its open accessibility, and the introduction of a fee could change the atmosphere of the area, making it feel more like a commercialized attraction rather than a historical public space.

Other Famous Attractions in Italy Introducing Tourist Fees

Rome is not the only Italian city to introduce entry fees for famous tourist sites. In Verona, the famous balcony of Romeo and Juliet, another key destination for visitors to Italy, will soon charge a fee for access. Tourists will have to pay €12 (£10.54) to visit the balcony, which was previously free to enter. Additionally, new restrictions will limit visitors to just 60 seconds on the balcony, which is one of the most photographed spots in the city.

This move reflects a growing trend across Italy of charging tourists to access popular landmarks in a bid to control crowd size and generate revenue for the maintenance and preservation of these historic sites. While many see this as a necessary step for the conservation of Italy’s cultural treasures, others worry that it may drive visitors away or negatively affect the atmosphere of these iconic locations.

The Impact on Tourism and Travel in Italy

The introduction of tourist fees at these historic sites is likely to have mixed effects on Italy’s tourism industry. For some, the additional cost may be seen as a small price to pay for the opportunity to experience these world-renowned landmarks. However, for others, the idea of paying for entry to an outdoor monument that has traditionally been free could create negative perceptions and discourage visits.

Additionally, the implementation of these fees could affect the overall flow of tourism in Italy. As more sites begin charging tourists, travelers may need to reconsider how they allocate their travel budgets or choose alternative destinations where access remains free. At the same time, the funds generated by these fees could help ensure the long-term preservation of these landmarks, which is crucial for future generations of visitors.

Balancing Preservation with Accessibility

The issue of levying a tourist charge for visiting the Trevi Fountain symbolizes the plight of land-marks in balancing the preservation of their cultural identity with the rising influx of visitors. While it may aid in crowd regulation and the preservation of the fountain’s beauty, it is also a limiting factor for tourists.

As Rome and other cities in Italy remain faced with these challenges, visitors will have to weigh the costs and benefits of visiting these historic sites. Irrespective of whether the charge is put in place or not, the Trevi Fountain and other historic sites in Italy will remain a key part of Italy’s attractions, as they attract millions of visitors annually to enjoy their history.