Rome’s Trevi Fountain Will Now Require a Two Pound Fee for Close-up Views: A Travel Advisory for 2026

Published on December 21, 2025

One of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, the Trevi Fountain, will soon be subject to an entry fee for those wishing to get up close to its majestic waters. Beginning February 1, 2026, tourists visiting the famous Baroque masterpiece will need to pay a €2 fee to approach the fountain’s basin. The announcement was made by the Rome City Government as part of a broader effort to manage increasing tourist congestion in the area and to safeguard cultural heritage. The fee is also designed to help fund the maintenance of the fountain and other heritage sites in the city.

While visitors can still enjoy the view of the Trevi Fountain from the surrounding piazza for free, close access to the waterside will now require this small but impactful fee. The changes come amid Rome’s growing concerns over overtourism and crowd management in its most popular tourist attractions. As tourism numbers continue to rise, especially during the holiday season, the city has worked to implement measures that balance visitor access with preservation.

A Step Towards Sustainable Tourism: The Motivation Behind the Entry Fee

The new €2 entry fee is part of Rome’s ongoing efforts to manage tourism growth while maintaining its historic landmarks. Over the years, tourist congestion has reached new heights, particularly around the Trevi Fountain, which draws millions of visitors annually. During peak seasons, like Christmas and New Year’s, the area has been known to get overcrowded, which not only affects the visitor experience but also places strain on the preservation of the fountain.

Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri has highlighted that this entry fee will generate an estimated €6.5 million annually, which will directly fund maintenance and preservation work, ensuring that the fountain’s historical significance remains intact for future generations. The fee also aims to limit overcrowding, offering a more organized and controlled experience for those wishing to experience this beloved site up close.

What the Entry Fee Includes and How It Will Work

The entry fee will only apply to those wishing to approach the fountain’s basin during prime hours (from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.). Visitors can still enjoy the view of the Trevi Fountain from the main piazza, which remains free. The €2 fee can be paid in advance online, while waiting in line, or at designated tourist locations across Rome, making the process convenient for tourists who may wish to plan their visit in advance.

Local residents of Rome are exempt from this fee, aligning with the city’s policy of prioritizing cultural access for locals. The move to charge tourists was carefully designed to ensure that visitors can experience the fountain in a more organized manner, without overwhelming the site and its surroundings.

What Travelers Should Know About the Trevi Fountain Entry Fee

For those planning a visit to Rome in 2026, here are a few things to keep in mind about the new Trevi Fountain entry fee:

• Entry to the piazza remains free. You can still admire the Trevi Fountain from the piazza, which offers a stunning view of the Baroque masterpiece.
• €2 fee applies only to those wishing to approach the waterside between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.. After 9 p.m., the fountain is open for free access.
• Residents of Rome and local visitors are exempt from the fee.
• Tickets can be purchased online in advance, at tourist locations, or while waiting in line at the fountain.
• The new system was trialed with a staggered entry system earlier in the year, with positive results in reducing crowds and managing the flow of visitors.

A New Era of Sustainable Tourism in Rome

This new system aligns with Rome’s broader tourism strategy, which includes other initiatives aimed at reducing over-tourism while ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage. For example, Rome’s Pantheon introduced a similar entry fee earlier in the year, which has successfully supported its maintenance efforts. Venice has also taken similar steps to address its own tourism challenges, with a tourist tax designed to control visitor numbers and promote sustainable tourism practices.

Rome is focusing on ensuring that it remains a top destination for travelers, but also a liveable city for residents. By balancing access to its cultural treasures with preservation goals, the city is paving the way for more sustainable tourism practices that will benefit both visitors and locals alike.

The Trevi Fountain’s Rich History: Why It’s Worth the Visit

The Trevi Fountain has long been one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome, attracting millions of visitors each year. Its grand Baroque design, completed in 1762, was commissioned by Pope Clement XII and designed by Nicola Salvi. The fountain, which features a magnificent statue of the sea god Oceanus surrounded by swirling water, is not only a visual marvel but also a symbol of Rome’s deep history. Visitors from around the world come to toss coins into its waters, a tradition made famous in films like “La Dolce Vita”.

Now, with the introduction of the entry fee, visitors can enjoy the fountain in a more controlled environment, allowing for a better, more peaceful experience that respects the heritage of this treasured landmark.

Conclusion: The Future of Visiting Rome’s Trevi Fountain

Rome’s introduction of the €2 entry fee for the Trevi Fountain is a bold step towards ensuring that the city’s most visited attractions remain preserved and manageable as tourism demand grows. For visitors, the new entry system offers a chance to experience the fountain in a more organized and peaceful way while contributing to the city’s preservation efforts.

Whether you are coming for the iconic beauty of the Trevi Fountain or to enjoy all that Rome has to offer, be prepared for a new way to experience the Eternal City’s most famous landmarks. While the fee may seem like a small inconvenience, it’s part of a larger effort to ensure that Rome’s timeless treasures are preserved for generations to come.