Trevi Fountain entrance fees in Rome: prices and visiting hours
On Monday, Rome began implementing a new system requiring tourists to pay an entrance fee to visit the area surrounding the Trevi Fountain , one of the world's most famous monuments and an icon of Italian Baroque art. This decision is part of a strategic plan aimed at managing the massive influx of visitors and reducing the chaos caused by overtourism, which threatens the preservation of the historical landmark.
Fee details and application mechanism
Under the new regulations, visitors wishing to descend the stairs to reach the immediate edge of the pool must pay a €2 . This applies to foreign tourists and visitors from outside the capital, while Rome residents are exempt, as they can enter for free as part of their residency rights.
This decision does not mean the complete closure of the plaza; the upper sections overlooking the fountain remain open to the public free of charge. However, access to the water and the experience of throwing the famous coin now requires advance booking and payment. Ticket holders are permitted to visit the site daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, except on Mondays and Fridays when entry begins at 11:30 AM.
The Trevi Fountain: A rich history and contemporary challenges
The Trevi Fountain, designed by the 18th-century architect Nicola Salvi, is a masterpiece that embodies the grandeur of the Baroque era. It gained worldwide fame thanks to cinema, particularly after its appearance in Federico Fellini's film "La Dolce Vita." A popular legend associated with the fountain states that tossing a coin into it with your right hand over your left shoulder guarantees a return to Rome.
However, this fame has led to millions of visitors flocking to the site annually, causing the area to suffer from severe overcrowding, making it difficult to enjoy the monument, in addition to the risks threatening the archaeological stones as a result of the stampede.
Objectives of the decision and preparations for the 2025 Jubilee
Alessandro Onorato, Rome's tourism advisor, explained that the main objective is not simply to raise revenue, but rather to "make the visit a unique and sustainable experience," replacing the current chaotic situation. The municipality anticipates that this measure will generate approximately six million euros annually .
Onorato noted that the proceeds would be used to fund the salaries of staff responsible for managing entry and welcoming visitors, as well as the maintenance of the monument. These funds will also contribute to financing cultural initiatives that offer free entry to several of Rome's museums for residents of the capital.
This move comes as part of Rome's preparations to welcome the "Jubilee of the Catholic Church" in 2025, a huge religious event expected to attract more than 30 million visitors and pilgrims to the holy city, calling for proactive crowd management measures.
Italy and the fight against overtourism
Rome is not the only Italian city to take such measures; Venice preceded it by imposing an entrance fee of 5 euros during peak days and weekends in 2024. These policies reflect a general Italian trend towards sustainable tourism, where authorities seek to balance the economic returns of tourism with the preservation of cultural heritage and the quality of life of local residents.
