Rome to Introduce €2 Entry Fee for Trevi Fountain to Control Crowds
Key Points
1. With the upcoming Jubilee expected to draw more tourists, Rome is considering introducing a fee for visiting the Trevi Fountain.
2. The city plans to charge foreign visitors €2.13 to access the iconic landmark.
3. Rome is also exploring limits on new accommodations to reduce pressure on its historic center.
In an effort to address overcrowding and ensure proper respect for one of its most famous attractions, the Trevi Fountain, Rome is preparing to introduce a small entry fee.
City officials announced that foreign visitors could soon be required to pay a €2.13 fee to view the popular fountain.
Rome Prepares for Tourist Influx With New Measures
This initiative aims to manage the large crowds while preserving the fountain's appeal and accessibility. The city anticipates a surge in visitors next year during the Roman Catholic Jubilee, prompting the need for crowd control measures. Some business leaders have suggested introducing a reservation system to further regulate the flow of visitors, according to Travel Tomorrow.
“It has become nearly impossible to enjoy the Trevi Fountain due to the overwhelming crowds, but any restrictions need to be carefully implemented,” said Romolo Guasco, director of Rome’s business association, Confcommercio.
Rome usually sees around 35 million visitors annually, a number expected to rise significantly during the 2025 Jubilee. Italy has also experienced a 17.8% increase in international arrivals in the first half of 2024.
Other Italian Cities Take Action Against Mass Tourism
Residents of Rome and other Italian cities have long voiced concerns about the negative effects of mass tourism, including noise, damage to ancient sites, and overcrowding. To combat these issues, several Italian cities have implemented similar measures.
Venice, for example, introduced a €5 entry fee for day-trippers during peak times to encourage off-peak visits, while Naples enforced one-way pedestrian traffic, and Milan restricted late-night sales of ice cream and fast food.
Additionally, Italy’s government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is considering raising the tourist tax to alleviate congestion in major cities like Rome and Florence. This could result in overnight visitors being charged up to €25 per person per night.
Rome is also contemplating limiting the growth of Bed and Breakfasts and new holiday homes to ease pressure on its historic center, as explained by Onorato in an interview with Corriere della Sera.