Rome Starts Charging 2 Euro Fee To See Trevi Fountain. Why It Might Not Matter To Tourists

Rome has officially begun charging visitors 2 euros to get close to the Trevi Fountain, one of its busiest and most photographed landmarks. The fee took effect on 2 February 2026, with the aim of reducing congestion and raising money to preserve the city's cultural heritage. The system uses a ticket checkpoint during peak hours, allowing visitors controlled access to the front of the fountain.

City officials estimate the new fee could generate around 6.5 million euros annually, which will support the maintenance of museums and historic sites run by the city. Residents are exempt and the fountain remains free to view from the piazza above, as well as up close at night when the crowds are lighter.

How The Trevi Fountain Became A Major Attraction For Travellers

The Trevi Fountain is a place many people link with Rome as soon as they think of the city. Its Baroque figures, the central statue of Oceanus and the steady sound of the water make it a spot travellers naturally stop at. It has been part of countless trips over the years, from quick visits to admire the carvings to the familiar coin-toss that people enjoy doing for fun.

Its appeal also comes from its long run in films. The fountain has appeared in several well-known movies set in Rome, which helped give it a kind of on-screen charm. Because of that, many visitors arrive already feeling a small connection to the place long before they reach the piazza.

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Why A 2 Euro Fee Is Unlikely To Deter Tourists

A small charge like this is unlikely to affect anyone's plans. Two euros is a minor extra in a city where everyday costs are already higher, and most visitors will still want to see one of Rome's best-known landmarks up close. The new system is also expected to make the area feel a bit more organised, giving people more space and time to enjoy the fountain without the usual crowding.

Rome's tourism assessor, Alessandro Onorato, pointed out that many visitors were surprised the fee was so low. As he said, "I believe that if the Trevi Fountain were in New York, they would have charged at least 100 dollars."

Some tourists even said the new setup made the experience smoother. "Before, there were problems accessing the fountain. There were a lot of people. Now, it is very easy," said Ilhan Musbah from Morocco. "You can take photos, you feel good, you are comfortable, and on top of that 2 euros is not much."

The fountain can still be enjoyed for free from the square around it, and close access is also free later in the evening. For many visitors, the fee becomes a small part of a much bigger experience, and it is unlikely to stop anyone from visiting a place they have looked forward to seeing for years.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Movies Filmed At The Trevi Fountain And Across Rome

The Trevi Fountain owes much of its global recognition to the films that have featured it. Some of the most notable include:

1. La Dolce Vita: Fellini's La Dolce Vita made cinematic magic on this day, 1960, when it premiered and introduced the unforgettable night-time moment of Anita Ekberg stepping into the Trevi Fountain - an image that transformed the site into a pop-culture icon.
2. Three Coins in the Fountain: This film popularised the fountain's coin-tossing ritual, which millions of travellers still follow today.
3. The Lizzie McGuire Movie: A favourite among younger audiences, its dreamy shots of Rome turned Trevi into a must-visit spot for a whole new generation.
4. Angels and Demons: The film races through Rome's historic centre, with scenes set near the fountain adding drama to its treasure-hunt storyline.
5. Roman Holiday: Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck may not dive into the fountain, but the film's Roman charm helped cement the city's place in global cinema.
6. War 2: The Hrithik Roshan and Kiara Advani action sequel shot high-glamour sequences across Rome, giving Indian audiences fresh reasons to seek out the city's famous landmarks.

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Fee or no fee, the Trevi Fountain remains a stop every traveller wants to make, and that is unlikely to change.