€2 to Access the Trevi Fountain Area: How Rome’s New Tourist Fee Will Work from February 2026

The city of Rome has officially confirmed that tourists will soon have to pay €2 to access the area immediately surrounding the Trevi Fountain, one of the most visited monuments in the world.

The measure, announced by Rome’s mayor Roberto Gualtieri, is set to come into effect in February 2026 and represents a major shift in how the Eternal City manages mass tourism at its most iconic sites. Local residents of Rome will continue to enjoy free access, while the surrounding public space will remain open to everyone.

A Historic First for an Open-Air Monument

Unlike museums or archaeological sites, the Trevi Fountain has always been freely accessible as part of Rome’s urban fabric. The introduction of a fee — even a symbolic one — marks a historic first for a major open-air monument in Italy.

City officials stressed that the goal is not to monetize culture, but to regulate access, improve safety, and protect the monument from the pressures of overtourism. According to the municipality, the immediate area in front of the fountain will be subject to controlled entry, particularly during peak hours.

Why Rome Decided to Act?

The Trevi Fountain attracts millions of visitors every year, often overwhelming the small piazza that surrounds it. At peak times, overcrowding has led to:

Safety concerns
Damage to the monument
Difficult living conditions for local residents
Increased cleaning and maintenance costs
Rome’s administration argues that the €2 fee will help:
Reduce excessive crowding
Improve visitor experience
Fund maintenance and conservation
Restore balance between tourism and daily city life

The measure follows months of debate and comes amid growing pressure on European cities to address unsustainable tourism flows.

How the €2 System Will Work?

According to official announcements reported by outlets such as Reuters and La Stampa, the system will operate as follows:

Fee: €2 per person
Applies to: Tourists and non-residents
Free access: Residents of Rome
Scope: Only the immediate viewing area
Public space: Streets and surrounding square remain accessible

The Trevi Fountain will not become a closed attraction, and visitors will still be able to see it from outside the controlled zone without paying.

Part of a Broader Strategy Against Overtourism

The Trevi Fountain fee is not an isolated decision. Rome is developing a wider strategy to manage tourism pressure at several high-traffic sites that were previously free. Venice, Barcelona, and other historic destinations have already introduced similar policies, reflecting a shift toward sustainable tourism management.

A Symbolic Change for Rome and for Tourism

While the amount may seem small, the symbolism is significant. The Trevi Fountain has long represented the idea of open, shared cultural heritage. Introducing a fee reflects a changing reality in which cities must actively protect themselves from being overwhelmed by their own popularity. Whether this model will expand to other landmarks remains an open question, but Rome’s decision is likely to influence similar debates worldwide.

Rome’s €2 Trevi Fountain fee signals a new era in the management of historic cities. The challenge ahead will be ensuring that preservation, accessibility, and urban life remain in balance…without losing the spirit that makes Rome unique.