The days of freely wandering up to Rome’s most iconic baroque masterpiece are officially numbered. City authorities announced on Friday that a new ticketing system for the Trevi Fountain will launch in February 2026. Travelers will soon need to book a time slot and pay an entry fee to toss their coins into the legendary waters.
This decision marks a historic shift in how Italy manages its most congested heritage sites. Officials aim to restore dignity to a monument that has become overwhelmed by mass tourism.
Booking a slot to visit the baroque masterpiece
The new system requires planning ahead rather than acting on impulse. Visitors must reserve a specific time to access the stone steps surrounding the fountain basin.
The entry ticket will cost 2 euros for international tourists and visitors from outside Rome. This nominal fee is designed less for profit and more for crowd control.
Residents of Rome will remain exempt from the charge. They must still show proof of residency to bypass the payment requirement. This ensures locals do not lose access to their own cultural heritage.
- Fee Cost: 2 euros per person
- Start Date: February 2026
- Exemptions: Rome residents and young children
- Booking Method: Online reservation system (QR code)
City officials believe this reservation model acts as a necessary filter. It prevents the dangerous bottlenecks that currently plague the piazza.
Managing the overwhelming tourist rush in Rome
The situation at the Trevi Fountain has become untenable in recent years. Crowds pack the small square shoulder to shoulder from dawn until late at night.
Alessandro Onorato, Rome’s Councilor for Major Events, Sport, Tourism and Fashion, has been a vocal advocate for this change. He stressed that the goal is sustainable tourism rather than closing the city off.
The current volume of visitors makes it nearly impossible to appreciate the art or ensure safety. Pickpockets thrive in the crush while stone surfaces suffer from wear and tear.
“We want to ensure that tourists can enjoy the monument without being crushed by the crowd. It is about respect for our city and a better experience for our guests.”
Overtourism has turned the area into a chaotic struggle for the perfect selfie. The city hopes the capped entry numbers will bring back the romance portrayed in films like La Dolce Vita.
Funding the preservation of ancient history
Maintaining a centuries-old aqueduct termination point is incredibly expensive. The city estimates the new fee could generate roughly 6.5 million euros annually.
Every cent of this revenue is earmarked for the fountain itself. It will cover the costs of cleaning, structural maintenance, and security personnel.
Preservation efforts include removing calcium deposits and protecting the porous travertine stone. Travelers paying the fee are directly contributing to the survival of the monument they came to see.
Projected Annual Revenue Breakdown
| Source | Estimated Amount | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket Sales (€2) | €6.5 Million | Cleaning & Restoration |
| Coin Tosses | ~€1.5 Million | Caritas Charity (Food Banks) |
The famous tradition of throwing coins will continue unchanged. The money collected from the water will still be donated to Catholic charity Caritas to help the poor.
Controlling bad behavior in the city center
The ticket system also addresses a rise in disrespectful behavior. Authorities have struggled to stop tourists from eating gelato on the historic steps or dipping their feet in the water.
Controlled entry allows security guards to better monitor the crowd. It creates a psychological shift where visitors value the site more because they paid to enter.
Mayor Roberto Gualtieri has supported measures to stop the “Disneyfication” of the historic center. He argues that Rome is a living city and not just a theme park for day-trippers.
Critics initially worried a fee would discourage visitors. However, most experts agree that 2 euros is too low to deter anyone who has already paid for a flight to Italy.
This move follows Venice, which recently tested an entry fee for day-trippers. Italy is leading the charge in finding solutions for global overtourism challenges.
Rome is taking a bold step to save the Trevi Fountain from being loved to death. By introducing a small fee and a reservation system, the city hopes to balance the needs of modern tourism with the duty to protect history. This change ensures that the fountain remains a magical destination rather than a chaotic obstacle course for future generations. Do you think charging a fee is the right way to save historic sites? Share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation on social media using #TreviFee.
