A Coin with a Price: Tossing Money into Rome’s Trevi Fountain Is No Longer Free
One of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi), has entered a new era. The centuries-old tradition of tossing a coin into the fountain to make a wish now comes at a cost. Under a new regulation introduced by the Rome Municipality, visitors must pay a 2-euro entrance fee to approach the fountain and take part in the ritual.
Ticket booths have been installed around the historic monument, which attracts massive crowds throughout the year. From now on, tourists wishing to throw a coin for love, luck, or a promise to return to Rome will need to purchase a ticket.
The fee applies on Mondays and Fridays between 11:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and on all other days from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Residents of Rome, people with disabilities, and licensed tour guides can enter free of charge upon presenting valid identification.
Managing Crowds and Preserving Heritage
According to city officials, the new system aims to reduce congestion around the fountain while generating additional revenue. During the opening ceremony, authorities stated that the funds collected would be used to ensure proper care and preservation of Rome’s delicate historical monuments.
The municipality expects to generate more than 6–7 million euros annually from entrance fees alone. Meanwhile, the coins thrown into the fountain by visitors—nearly 2 million euros per year—will continue to be donated to the Catholic charity Caritas, as has long been tradition.
Mixed Reactions from Visitors
On the first morning of the new policy, more than 3,000 tickets were sold through online pre-sales and on-site booths. While the area was relatively calm due to the off-season, some visitors criticized the idea of charging admission to access a public fountain.
Others pointed out that while crowd management may be easier in winter, ticket queues could become problematic during peak tourist seasons.
A Landmark with a 2,000-Year Legacy
Fed by an ancient Roman aqueduct dating back to 19 BC, the Trevi Fountain welcomed over 10 million visitors last year. It is also famous for its appearance in Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, particularly the iconic scene featuring Anita Ekberg.
Today, entering the fountain, throwing objects other than coins, or eating nearby is strictly prohibited, with fines ranging from 40 to 450 euros for violations.
Part of a Broader Tourism Strategy
The Trevi Fountain fee reflects Italy’s broader efforts to protect cultural heritage and manage the impact of mass tourism. Similar measures have been introduced in Venice, where visitors must reserve and pay to enter during peak periods, and at Rome’s Pantheon, which became ticketed in 2023.
Together, these policies signal a shift toward more sustainable tourism—where preservation takes precedence over unrestricted access.
