- Rome will charge €2 from Feb 1, 2026, for close access to Trevi Fountain from 9 am to 9 pm
- The wider piazza remains free to access for visitors to view and photograph the fountain from afar
- The fee aims to reduce crowding, enhance safety, and protect the fountain's structure during peak hours
Rome is preparing to introduce a small access fee for visitors who want to view the Trevi Fountain from up close, marking a significant shift in how the city manages one of its most visited landmarks. From February 1, 2026, tourists will be charged €2 (around Rs 210) to enter the viewing area closest to the fountain between 9 am and 9 pm, when footfall is at its heaviest. The wider piazza will remain freely accessible at all times, allowing visitors to see and photograph the monument from afar without paying.
City authorities say the measure is designed primarily to manage crowds rather than raise revenue, as per reports. During peak hours, thousands of visitors gather around the fountain, often overwhelming the narrow lanes leading into the square. By regulating access to the immediate edge of the basin during the day, officials hope to reduce congestion, improve safety, and protect the structure. Rome residents will be exempt from the charge, and close-up access outside the paid window (particularly late evenings and nights) is expected to remain free, as crowd pressure drops significantly after dark.
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More About The Trevi Fountain In Rome
Trevi Fountain. Photo Credit: Unsplash
Completed in 1762, the Trevi fountain was the final project connected to the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct, first built in 19 BCE to supply water to imperial Rome. Remarkably, the same aqueduct still feeds the fountain today, making it one of the oldest continuously functioning water systems in the world. Designed in the dramatic Baroque style, the fountain is integrated into the facade of Palazzo Poli rather than standing alone. At its centre is Oceanus, set within a grand arched niche, flanked by statues symbolising abundance and health. The cascading water and sculpted rock formations were intended to evoke movement and power, turning a utilitarian water source into a theatrical urban spectacle.
Why The Trevi Fountain Is Popular Among Tourists
Trevi Fountain Crowds. Photo Credit: Unsplash
While the Trevi Fountain was always an important civic landmark, its transformation into a global icon came much later. The tradition of tossing a coin over one's shoulder (said to ensure a return to Rome) helped turn the fountain into an interactive ritual rather than a passive sight. Today, visitors throw an estimated one to one-and-a-half million euros into the basin each year, funds that are collected and donated to charitable causes.
Cinema and popular culture further amplified the fountain's fame. Classic films, TV shows, books, and more have cemented the fountain's status as a symbol of romance, nostalgia, and first-time travel to Italy. For many visitors, seeing the Trevi Fountain is less about architectural study and more about participating in a shared global moment.
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Balancing Access And Preservation
The proposed fee reflects a broader challenge facing historic cities across Europe: how to balance open public access with the realities of mass tourism. City officials stress that the daytime charge will not turn the fountain into a closed attraction. Instead, it is meant to regulate how many people can stand at the water's edge at any one time. This could help reduce wear on the stonework and ease pressure on local infrastructure.
