Making a Wish at Trevi Fountain? Rome May Soon Charge a Fee

Rome is considering introducing a ticketing system for visitors to the Trevi Fountain. This plan is part of a broader effort to control crowd sizes and protect one of the city’s most famous landmarks. City officials believe the measure could help ease the congestion at the 18th-century fountain, which attracts millions of tourists each year. The site is often overcrowded, and incidents of pickpocketing have been reported as well.

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Alessandro Onorato, Rome’s councilor for tourism, supports the idea of implementing a limited-access system for the fountain. The proposal suggests offering free access for Roman residents, while tourists would pay a symbolic fee of €1. The goal, Onorato stresses, is not to generate revenue but to promote more sustainable tourism.

The authorities hope this initiative will also discourage inappropriate behavior at the fountain, such as eating food on the monument. Many feel that the Trevi Fountain, an iconic piece of Rome’s history, deserves greater respect from visitors .

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most visited attractions in Italy, often making it difficult for tourists to enjoy the experience due to the large crowds. While the city is pushing for the ticketing system, officials have indicated that the plan is still in its early stages and is far from finalized.

A spokesperson for the municipality mentioned that the proposal is merely an idea at this point. However, with Rome’s tourism numbers expected to continue rising, especially with the upcoming Jubilee in 2025 , the pressure to manage tourist flows may lead to the plan’s implementation.

If Rome moves forward with the Trevi Fountain ticket system, it wouldn’t be the first Italian city to try crowd-control measures. Venice, for instance, implemented a trial €5 fee for day visitors in early 2024 to manage peak season crowds. Though responses were mixed, the system is likely to be reinstated in 2025.

Italy’s prime minister is also exploring other measures to address overcrowding. These include increasing the country’s tourist tax, with proposed fees of up to €25 per night in busy cities like Rome and Florence. However, this suggestion has faced opposition from the hospitality industry, who fear it could deter visitors.

Aside from visiting Rome and the Trevi Fountain, you can also treat yourself to a 10-day Tuscany road trip or explore Southern and Northern Italy during your Italian vacation.