A wish at Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain will soon cost you much more than the coin you toss in

Rome's Trevi Fountain may soon require a 2-euro entrance fee to manage its popularity. The proposal aims to control visitor numbers and protect the site. Tourists would need to reserve their spot and pay through a QR code, with the system expected...

By ET Online | Sep 08, 2024, 05.54 PM IST

Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain, a magnet for tourists who believe tossing a coin into its waters guarantees a return to the city, is now at the center of a debate on how to manage its overwhelming popularity. City officials are considering imposing a 2-euro ($2.25) entrance fee to access the Baroque monument, which has traditionally been free to the public.

The proposal, spearheaded by the city’s top tourism official, Alessandro Onorato, is part of broader efforts to manage the ever-growing number of visitors that flock to Rome's historic sites. "Two euros is more or less the same amount that people toss into the fountain to make a wish," Onorato remarked, highlighting the symbolic nature of the proposed fee.

The initiative comes in the wake of Venice’s controversial experiment with a 5-euro fee for day-trippers, a move aimed at curbing overtourism in the lagoon city. Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, has already expressed support for the idea, which will need to be approved by the City Council before implementation.

The proposed system would require tourists to reserve their spot and pay the fee through a QR code, with the aim of having it operational by spring 2025, ahead of the Jubilee Holy Year. The fee would only apply to those wishing to access the nine stone steps leading to the fountain's edge, while passersby in the surrounding piazza would not be charged. The entrance would remain free for Romans.

10 underrated European cities you must visit

1/11

Explore these underrated European cities that offer unique charm and rich experiences beyond the usual tourist paths. From the futuristic architecture of Valencia and the historic streets of Kraków to the cultural vibrancy of Brno and the artistic flair of Bilbao, each city provides a distinct blend of history, culture, and local flavor.

Onorato emphasized the necessity of such measures to protect both the city's heritage and the quality of the tourist experience. "We need to safeguard two things: that tourists don’t experience chaos and that citizens can continue to live in the center," he stated.

In addition to controlling visitor numbers, the fee is intended to deter behaviors that have been problematic for years, such as eating on the steps or attempting to reenact the famous scene from La Dolce Vita where Anita Ekberg wades into the fountain—an act that carries a fine.

By requiring reservations and collecting visitor information, officials hope to reduce such incidents. "It would happen less, or maybe it wouldn’t happen at all, because whoever would enter, we would know their names and where they live," Onorato explained.

As cities worldwide grapple with the challenges of mass tourism, Rome’s proposed fee for the Trevi Fountain underscores the delicate balance between welcoming visitors and preserving the cultural treasures that draw them in the first place.

15 overcrowded destinations in Europe to avoid and where to go instead

1/16

In recent years, many European destinations have struggled with overtourism, leading to crowded streets, long wait times, and a diminished travel experience for visitors. Now, savvy travelers are seeking alternative destinations that offer similar cultural, historical, and scenic experiences without the overwhelming crowds.

Avoid these 15 overcrowded European destinations and check out their lesser-known alternatives that provide a more authentic and enjoyable travel experience.