Rome is set to confirm a Trevi Fountain entry fee for tourists in the coming days. According to Corriere della Sera, the city plans to charge visitors €2 to access the Baroque landmark. Rome residents would continue to enter for free.

The press office of tourism councillor Alessandro Onorato confirmed that the proposal is under consideration. It said the plan remains a working hypothesis and no final decision has been taken.

City officials are due to discuss the issue later this week. An official announcement is expected before Christmas. Corriere della Sera reported that the system could start on 7 January, after the Epiphany holiday. City hall has not confirmed the date.

Once introduced, the Trevi Fountain entry fee would apply only to tourists. Rome estimates the measure could raise around €20 million a year.

Also read: On this day in history: Trevi Fountain inaugurated

Not a new idea

The idea is not new. Onorato first proposed charging for access last year. Plans to launch the scheme in September 2025 did not materialise. Unlike the Pantheon, which has charged a €5 entry fee since 2023, the Trevi Fountain falls under Rome’s municipal authority.

Visitor numbers have fuelled the debate. In the first six months of this year, the fountain attracted over 5.3 million people. That figure exceeds total visits to the Pantheon in 2024.

Consumer group Codacons criticised the proposal on Tuesday, while backing measures to control crowds. “We oppose the monetisation of monuments and historic sites,” Codacons said. “Tourists should enjoy Rome’s beauty for free.”

The group also questioned how revenues from tourism taxes are used. It said funds often cover budget gaps rather than improve services. However, Codacons acknowledged the need to tackle mass tourism. It said overcrowding damages Rome’s heritage and quality of life.