Rome starts charging tourists for a close-up look at the Trevi Fountain

Rome has begun charging a 2-euro fee for tourists to get close to the Trevi Fountain. This measure aims to control overcrowding and generate funds for the monument's upkeep. The fee applies to specific times and areas, with exemptions for resident...

By ET Online | Feb 02, 2026, 05.59 PM IST

Rome has started charging some visitors a 2-euro fee to get close to the Trevi Fountain from Monday, as the city tries to manage overcrowding and raise money for maintenance. The fee applies only to tourists who walk down the stone steps near the fountain’s basin, while the main square around the landmark remains free to enter.

The charge will be collected between 11:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. Rome residents, people with disabilities and their companions, and children under the age of six are exempt from paying.

City authorities say the move is meant to reduce congestion at one of Rome’s busiest tourist spots and to help protect the historic monument, which attracts visitors from across the world.

Some tourists said they were not aware of the new rule but accepted it. “I didn't know that we had to pay, but I have no problem with that,” said Argentine tourist Valentina De Vicentis. She added that fewer people could improve the experience. “There are less people in here, so I think that's good, because if not, there are a lot of people and you can't take pictures and you can't stay (for a long) time and enjoy.”

The Trevi Fountain is famous for the tradition of throwing a coin into its waters to ensure a return to Rome. It is also known for a scene in Federico Fellini’s film La Dolce Vita, where actress Anita Ekberg stands in the fountain and calls out, “Marcello! Come here!”

Authorities estimate that more than 10 million people visited the Trevi Fountain between December 2024 and December 2025. This period overlapped with a Catholic Holy Year, or Jubilee, which brought about 33.5 million pilgrims to Rome.

Completed in 1762 and supplied by an ancient Roman aqueduct, the Trevi Fountain is a late Baroque monument featuring Oceanus, the god of water, representing the changing nature of seas and rivers.

As tourism continues to rise in Rome and other parts of Italy, similar visitor fees have been introduced at several cultural sites. These include the Pantheon in Rome, Venice during peak travel seasons, and, for a limited time, the courtyard in Verona linked to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

10 best road trips in Europe: What not to miss & how much you need to budget

1/10

Highlights: Coastal cliffs, Positano's colorful houses, Ravello's gardens, and the picturesque town of Amalfi.
Best Time to Visit: April to October.

Flights:
To Europe: Fly from Delhi or Mumbai to Naples (via Rome).
Return: Naples - Delhi/Mumbai.

Road Trip Route (5 days):
Day 1: Naples - Sorrento (1 hr).
Day 2: Sorrento - Positano - Amalfi (2 hrs).
Day 3: Amalfi - Ravello - Vietri sul Mare (2 hrs).
Day 4-5: Explore Salerno and return to Naples.

What it will cost
- Flights (round-trip): Rs 50,000 – Rs 80,000 per person.
- Accommodation: Rs 8,000 – Rs 12,000/night for 3-star hotels.
- Car Rental & Fuel: Rs 30,000 total.
- Meals: Rs 4,000/day for two.
- Sightseeing: Rs 6,000 total.

Total Cost (approx): Rs 2.5 – Rs 3.5 lakh for two.