20.12.25
Theodoros Andreadis - Syngellakis
It seems to be a matter of time before a 2-Euro entrance fee is imposed for access to the famous fountain in the center of Rome ● The justification is the reduction of overtourism, but the reality is probably different.
ROME - This is the news that probably caused the most reactions among residents and visitors of the Eternal City in the week we are leaving behind. According to the Italian press, from the beginning of 2026, tourists wishing to admire the famous Trevi Fountain up close, in the historic center of Rome, will have to pay a 2-Euro entrance fee. The decision is considered a continuation of the visitor restriction, which has already been in effect since last January, and according to which no more than four hundred people are allowed to be in front of the Fountain simultaneously.
The Municipality of Rome, through its head of tourism, Alessandro Onorato, confirmed that there is a plan for a ticket payment, but added that a specific date for its implementation has not yet been chosen. The feeling, however, is that the decision has probably been made and only its official announcement remains.
It is a world-famous fountain and one of the best-known monuments of the Italian capital, with over three centuries of history. It was natural, therefore, for there to be many diverging opinions on this new policy. Local merchants fear that many tourists may reduce their stay in the square and surrounding streets and are vehemently opposed to the imposition of an entrance fee. The consumer association Codacons (which in Italy defends the broader rights of citizens) also expresses great skepticism and emphasizes that the architectural value of a square should not be commercialized.
The first rough calculations have already begun: if, as it seems, the ticket is finally set at 2 euros, approximately 20 million euros could flow into the coffers of the Eternal City within the next twelve months. Municipal officials insist that this specific amount will be used for the care of the Fountain and, more generally, for the entire cultural heritage.
For maintenance or into a black hole?
Codacons, however, disputes this and reminds that part of the accommodation tax already paid by tourists ends up supporting problematic municipal coffers and not in the maintenance of roads and monuments. It is rather clear that this entire dispute is set to continue even after the first tickets begin to be issued.
Beyond the financial issue and the utilization of revenues, it is clear that there is another parameter. We are talking about the magical atmosphere created in the middle of the last century with the filming of Federico Fellini's masterpiece, "La Dolce Vita." With Anita Ekberg calling Marcello Mastroianni into the fountain in an almost dreamlike reality, transforming Rome into a pan-European and international center for those who loved cinema, its symbols, and the intensely critical gaze associated with the world of the seventh art.
Standardized tourist product
Entering the water of the Trevi Fountain has long been forbidden, even if, every now and then, there are couples or solitary individuals who try to violate the "sanctuary," even for a few seconds. Now, however, we are going a step further. In a few weeks, it is very likely that you won't even be able to share a kiss on the steps in the middle of the square. Unless you are a permanent resident of Rome or have already used your bank card to buy a ticket.
The same, of course, will apply to the "coin ceremony," during which you toss one or a few coins, small change, into the water and make a wish: to return to Rome, to fall in love, or whatever else inspires you at that moment. It's a bit like saying "romantic atmosphere - financial gain, mark two."
Supporters of the new lucrative strategy tell us that it could also curb the ever-increasing overtourism. Allow us to have some doubts. The only non-touristy cafe that was in the square has long since changed its character. And on the adjacent commercial street, Via del Tritone, large chains have swallowed up all the small shops that could not withstand and adapt to the new era with countless visitors and its standardized offerings...
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