It’s “Official”: This Famous Roman Landmark Will No Longer Be Free Starting January

It has been a topic of debate for two years, but the decision is now official: Rome’s world-famous Trevi Fountain will require a paid entry fee starting January 7th.

€2 up close, free from afar…

Between battling over-tourism, protecting heritage sites, and generating much-needed revenue, substantial tourist taxes and entry fees for major landmarks are becoming the norm worldwide—particularly in Italy.

Following the introduction of a 400-person capacity limit, access to the iconic Trevi Fountain will now cost €2 per person from January 7th, 2026. This comes almost two years after the measure was first proposed by local authorities.

The €2 fee only applies if you want to get up close to the monument—to toss a coin into the basin, for example, a tradition said to guarantee your return to Rome or help you find love. For those happy to view the fountain from a distance, it will remain free of charge.

The move aims to better regulate the crowds surrounding one of Rome’s—and indeed Italy’s—most emblematic sites, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. It is also expected to generate around €20 million each year, which will be ring-fenced for the fountain’s maintenance and preservation.

One of Rome’s most prestigious landmarks

The Trevi Fountain needs little introduction. Most recognise it from the legendary scene in Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, which brought it global fame. Yet, even without its cinematic history, this masterpiece evokes a genuine sense of wonder and emotion.

Imagine standing before a wall of water crashing into a vast basin. At the heart of this grand spectacle, Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, presides over the scene from a chariot drawn by sea horses. Surrounding him, a myriad of mythological figures appear to come to life, each telling its own story.

On a clear day—a frequent occurrence in Rome—the sunlight dances across the white marble sculptures, creating a play of light and shadow that gives the illusion of an aquatic world in perpetual motion. The water, gushing from every angle, seems to wrap visitors in a refreshing mist.

But the Trevi Fountain is more than just a feast for the eyes; it is a place steeped in history and legend. Tradition dictates that if you throw a coin into the water over your shoulder with your back turned, you are destined to return to the Eternal City.

This ritual, evolved over centuries, has made the fountain one of the city’s most visited spots. It also creates a significant windfall: millions of euros are collected from the water every year. This substantial sum is recovered daily and donated to a local charity to fund social projects.