Newsletters
Tourists visiting the iconic Trevi Fountain may be required to pay an entry fee of €2 starting Jan. 7, while residents would continue to have free access, according to a report by Corriere della Sera.
The proposed measure is expected to generate approximately €20 million annually for the municipal budget.
For about a year, the flow of visitors to the fountain has already been regulated, with a maximum of 400 people allowed in the area at any given time.
The proposed plan would create separate lanes for residents and tourists, allowing smoother movement and reducing congestion. Tourists would be able to pay using credit cards, providing a modernized system for ticket collection.
The initiative, supported by Rome’s Tourism and Major Events Councillor Alessandro Onorato and the municipal administration, aims to protect the late-Baroque masterpiece by architect Nicola Salvi.
The fountain, a symbol of Rome and a globally recognized cultural landmark, has faced increasing pressure due to the sheer volume of visitors, which can cause wear and tear on the historic structure.
During the first six months of this year alone, the fountain recorded over 5.3 million visitors, surpassing the total annual visitors to the Pantheon in 2024, which amounted to 4,086,947 entries.
The revenue from the proposed ticket system is expected to be used for enhancing tourist services, maintaining the site, and supporting cultural programs.
Following renewed discussions about introducing a ticket system, the Italian ANSA news agency, citing sources from the Rome Municipality (Campidoglio), reported that the city has been considering a ticketed entry plan for some time, but no decision has yet been made regarding when it would be implemented. The plan remains a working proposal, and authorities have not confirmed any official start date.
The proposed ticket system has sparked debate among tourism experts, cultural associations, and the public. The Italian Consumer Rights Association (Codacons) has publicly opposed the plan, arguing that monetizing access to historical monuments and public spaces diminishes the visitor experience.
The organization instead advocates for controlled access and crowd management, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the fountain without causing damage or experiencing extreme overcrowding.
The idea of introducing a ticketed entry for the Trevi Fountain first emerged last year, as authorities sought to manage the large crowds caused by excessive tourism.
The proposal sparked public debate, but at the time, Rome City Hall had not made a final decision. Following a comprehensive restoration between October and December 2024, the city opted not to implement a ticket but instead introduced a limited-access system in January, allowing a maximum of 400 visitors at a time.
In recent years, the fountain has also drawn attention due to climate activist protests or incidents involving tourists entering the water, highlighting the challenges of managing this world-famous landmark.
1 min read
1 min read
