Rome’s municipal government has announced a significant policy shift for visitors to the iconic Trevi Fountain, implementing a €2 entrance fee for close-up viewing starting February 1, 2026. The Baroque masterpiece, designed by architect Nicola Salvi in the 18th century and attracting approximately 30,000 daily visitors, will become part of a revised access system aimed at addressing overtourism challenges.
Mayor Roberto Gualtieri defended the modest fee, stating it would contribute to more organized visitor flows while generating an estimated €6.5 million annually for maintenance and crowd management. The revenue structure distinguishes between the charitable donations from tossed coins and the operational funding from access fees.
The initiative forms part of a broader recalibration of cultural site management that simultaneously expands free access for Rome residents to previously ticketed venues including the Sacred Area of Largo Argentina. While tourists and non-residents will pay for six specific attractions including the Napoleonic Museum, children under five and visitors with disabilities plus one companion remain exempt.
Notably, the fountain remains freely visible from peripheral viewpoints, preserving some accessibility while implementing new crowd control measures including a 400-person capacity limit and queuing system established during recent restoration work.