ROME (AP) – Starting Monday, tourists hoping to get close to the iconic Trevi Fountain in Rome are required to pay a fee of 2 euros ($2.35). This new fee structure has been implemented by the city as part of its efforts to raise funds and manage crowds at one of the world’s most celebrated fountains. The initiative aims to enhance the visitor experience while also offsetting maintenance costs associated with preserving Rome’s rich cultural heritage.
The first individuals to navigate through the new ticket check expressed little concern about the 2-euro tariff. Tourists like Ilhan Musbah from Morocco noted that the fee is a minor expense for an improved experience at a site famously featured in Federico Fellini’s classic film “La Dolce Vita.” Musbah remarked, “Before, there were problems accessing the fountain. There were a lot of people. Now, it’s very easy. You can take photos, you feel good, you’re comfortable, and on top of that, 2 euros is not much.”
Alongside the Trevi Fountain fee, the city has also introduced a 5-euro (nearly $6) ticket charge for admission to certain museums. Crucially, residents of Rome are exempt from these fees, with the additional revenue projected to expand the number of city-operated museums that offer free entry for registered Roman residents. This move plays a significant role in managing tourist flows in densely crowded areas while improving overall visitor experiences.
Authorities project that the new fees could generate an estimated 6.5 million euros ($7.6 million) annually for the city. The decision to impose the fee for accessing the Trevi Fountain followed a successful year-long trial that implemented measures to stagger and limit the number of visitors at the fountain. The trial required visitors to follow designated lines and pathways for both entry and exit, which resulted in a more organized and enjoyable experience for tourists.
Alessandro Onorato, Rome’s tourism assessor, commented on the affordability of the fee, stating, “I think tourists were shocked by the fact that the city of Rome is only asking for 2 euros for a site of this level. I believe that if the Trevi Fountain were in New York, they would have charged at least $100.”
Similar to the Trevi Fountain fee, a ticketing system has already been in place at the Pantheon monument in Rome. Additionally, the city of Venice has introduced a more complex tax for day-trippers in an attempt to mitigate the challenges posed by overtourism. Compared to these Italian fees, the 45% price increase at the Louvre Museum in France, where tickets have risen from 22 euros ($26) to 32 euros ($37) for most non-European visitors, highlights how Rome's charges are still relatively modest.
The 2-euro fee can be paid in advance online, allowing tourists to enjoy close access to the fountain during prime daylight hours. However, those who wish to admire the splendid late Baroque masterpiece from the piazza above can still do so free of charge, particularly during evening hours when access is available without cost.
The Trevi Fountain features the Titan god Oceanus, who is flanked by cascading waterfalls that flow over travertine rocks into a shallow turquoise pool. This picturesque location was famously depicted in “La Dolce Vita,” where actors Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg enjoyed a memorable nighttime swim. Though bathing is no longer permitted, a charming legend persists: visitors who toss a coin over their shoulders while making a wish are said to be guaranteed a return to Rome.
