Rome to Charge Foreign Tourists $2.35 to Visit Trevi Fountain Amid Overcrowding Concerns
ROME, Italy — Beginning February 1, 2026, foreign visitors to Rome’s famed Trevi Fountain will be required to pay an entry fee of approximately $2.35 (€2) as part of the city’s efforts to combat severe overcrowding at the historic site. The announcement comes after a year-long pilot during maintenance work completed in December 2024, which allowed city officials to collect crucial data on visitor inflows and test new crowd management strategies.
The Trevi Fountain, an 18th-century Baroque masterpiece and one of the Eternal City’s most iconic landmarks, attracts roughly 30,000 visitors daily, with peak days seeing numbers soar to 70,000. This translates to over 9 million tourists annually, placing immense strain on the monument and surrounding areas. According to the Italian National Institute of Statistics, tourism in the Lazio region, where Rome is located, reached 36 million visitors in 2023, underscoring the pressure on local infrastructure.
Rome’s municipal government detailed that the fee will be exempt for residents, children under five, and persons with disabilities, ensuring local access remains unhindered. The revenue generated is earmarked for managing crowd flows, preserving the fountain, and enhancing the overall visitor experience. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri highlighted the urgency of the measure, stating last year that the situation at the Trevi Fountain had become “technically very difficult to manage.”
Visitors to the fountain have traditionally tossed coins into its waters, a practice that has generated over $1.52 million in donations in 2023 alone, according to reports. However, the sheer volume of tourists has raised concerns about wear and tear on the monument, as well as safety and quality of experience. The new tariff system, announced on December 18, 2025, is part of a broader initiative by the city to regulate access to its most treasured cultural sites.
Experts in heritage conservation emphasize that sustainable tourism measures like this are vital to preserving landmarks for future generations. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has long advocated for balancing tourism with conservation, especially in cities with rich historical legacies such as Rome.
Travelers planning visits to the Trevi Fountain are encouraged to check official city resources for updates on ticketing procedures and exemptions. The city’s website offers detailed information on the new system and ongoing efforts to protect Rome’s cultural heritage. Additionally, the Italian Government Tourist Board provides guidance on visiting Rome’s monuments responsibly.
This move by Rome follows similar efforts by other major tourist destinations worldwide to implement entrance fees or timed ticketing to reduce overcrowding. As global tourism rebounds post-pandemic, cities are increasingly seeking innovative solutions to safeguard their landmarks while accommodating millions of visitors each year.
For more information on sustainable tourism practices and heritage site management, the U.S. National Park Service offers resources and case studies on balancing visitor access with preservation goals.
With the Trevi Fountain’s new entry fee set to take effect in early 2026, Rome aims to ensure that this beloved symbol of the city remains vibrant and accessible for generations to come.
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