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Trevi Fountain to Charge Entrance Fee for First Time

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. ntain-to-charge-entrance-fee-for-first-time.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 15:13 GMT by Travel + Leisure
      Locales: Lazio, ITALY

Rome, Italy - February 4th, 2026 - The iconic Trevi Fountain, a symbol of Rome and a magnet for millions of tourists annually, will officially institute an entrance fee of EUR5 (approximately $5.40 USD) beginning in March. This marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle to balance tourism revenue with the preservation of historical and cultural landmarks, and experts predict it could set a precedent for similar measures across Europe.

The decision, announced by the Rome municipal government earlier this week, stems from escalating concerns regarding overcrowding, persistent vandalism, and a significant increase in litter surrounding the fountain. For years, the Trevi Fountain has been a victim of its own success, attracting such large crowds that it's often difficult to appreciate its baroque splendor. Reports of petty theft, damage to the fountain itself (despite protective measures), and the sheer volume of discarded trash have prompted city officials to take drastic action.

"We have reached a point where doing nothing was no longer an option," stated Councillor of Tourism, Isabella Rossi, during a press conference held this morning. "The Trevi Fountain is not just a beautiful monument; it is a vital part of Rome's heritage. The funds generated from this modest fee will be directly reinvested into its upkeep, enhanced security, and improvements to the surrounding Piazza di Trevi. We want to ensure that future generations can enjoy this masterpiece as much as we do today."

The fee will be collected via newly installed turnstiles, controlling access to the immediate area surrounding the fountain. Access will be limited to the hours of 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM daily, a measure intended to further regulate crowd size and provide a more pleasant experience for visitors. While some have criticized the limited hours, the city argues that it is necessary to allow for thorough cleaning and maintenance overnight.

But the Trevi Fountain fee isn't solely about maintenance. It's part of a broader conversation happening across Europe regarding sustainable tourism. Cities like Venice, Barcelona, and Amsterdam have been grappling with similar challenges - the negative impacts of mass tourism on local residents, infrastructure, and the environment. Venice, in particular, has been a frontrunner in implementing measures to curb overtourism, including an access fee planned for 2024, and restrictions on large cruise ships.

"Rome is following a trend," explains Dr. Elena Bianchi, a tourism sociologist at the University of Rome Tor Vergata. "Cities are realizing that simply attracting more tourists isn't necessarily a sign of success. They need to focus on quality over quantity, and that means managing the flow of visitors and ensuring that tourism benefits the local community and doesn't destroy the very attractions that draw people in the first place."

The EUR5 fee for the Trevi Fountain is relatively modest, and the city anticipates minimal pushback from tourists. However, the true test will be whether the collected revenue is demonstrably used for the stated purposes - improving the fountain and its surrounding area. Transparency in how the funds are allocated will be crucial to gaining public support and justifying the fee.

The city also plans to invest in improved lighting, paving repairs, and increased security personnel to create a safer and more aesthetically pleasing environment. Furthermore, the local government is exploring partnerships with local businesses to offer discounts and incentives to visitors who contribute to sustainable tourism practices, such as using public transportation or patronizing local artisan shops.

This new approach, combining a small entrance fee with infrastructural improvements and a focus on sustainability, could very well become a model for other historical sites struggling with the pressures of modern tourism. The world is watching Rome to see if this bold move can successfully balance preservation, accessibility, and the economic benefits of welcoming millions of visitors each year.