AttractionsCity authorities mull a fee for tourists visiting beloved attraction.

You may have to pay to visit the Trevi Fountain soon

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Under the proposed system, tourists would need to book a time to visit the fountain and pay a small fee.
Under the proposed system, tourists would need to book a time to visit the fountain and pay a small fee. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/CrackerClips

It’s been a long, hot summer in Italy, and in Rome the residents have been feeling the heat of overcrowded tourist spots like the Trevi Fountain.

The answer for some is to impose a charge for visitors to step up to the 18th century Trevi, throw a few coins into the water and wish for a return to Rome.

City officials are now considering a reservation system to better manage visitor flows. The proposal has the support of Alessandro Onorato, a city councillor for tourism and major events

Onorato said he hopes to test the entrance fee, which would be managed through a reservation system and a QR code, in time for the 2025 Jubilee Holy Year.

“I would be in favour of studying a new access system, limited and timed, with a reservation system: free for Romans and with a symbolic fee of one euro for tourists,” said Onorato.

Italy has been one of Europe’s most popular attractions this year. International arrivals to Italy were up 17.8% in the first half of 2024, according to the European Travel Commission.

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