Rome Implements €2 Fee for Close Access to Trevi Fountain to Manage Crowds

Rome has introduced a €2 fee for tourists and non-residents to access the lower basin of the Trevi Fountain for close-up viewing and photography. The policy, implemented on February 1, 2026, was established by Mayor Roberto Gualtieri to reduce overcrowding and chaotic visitor flows at the 18th-century landmark. The fee applies during peak hours: weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. In its first month, the initiative generated approximately €435,194 from 217,597 paying visitors out of 229,896 total accesses. Revenue is designated for site preservation and maintenance, as well as funding free entry to municipal museums for Rome residents. Officials project annual earnings between €6.5 million and €20 million. The measure addresses challenges posed by 'selfie tourism,' which UNESCO identifies as contributing to overcrowding, infrastructure strain, and degradation at cultural sites globally. While viewing from a distance remains free, the fee aims to balance tourist access with conservation needs for the fountain, which attracted over 10 million visitors in 2025.