The implementation of the ticket system for access to the Trevi Fountain began with near accidents, as many visitors not only seemed reluctant to pay and attempted to circumvent the new measure, but their behavior became dangerous.
A notable incident involved a group of Spanish visitors who refused to pay, stood behind the railing that had been installed and threw coins from above toward the fountain, with several not landing in the water. So, those who had paid and approached the 18th century masterpiece were forced to bend down to avoid the coins that fell “like rain,” as CNN reveals.
The head of the municipal authority of the Eternal City said that patrols will be deployed in the coming period to prevent accidents from reckless coin tossing.
Starting February 2, visitors must purchase a 2-euro ticket to approach the section closest to the fountain and toss coins into the water.
The city government of Rome introduced a new ticketing system for non-residents as part of its latest effort to manage crowds at one of the Italian capital’s busiest attractions.
The mandatory €2 ticket is in effect from 11:00 to 22:00 on Mondays and Fridays and from 09:00 to 22:00 on other days, after which the protective railings are opened and access is free for everyone.
The Trevi Fountain is at the center of Rome’s overtourism problem, especially during the peak summer season, with the small square around the fountain being overrun by thousands of visitors.
In 2024, the city government tested the installation of dividers to limit access to the imposing monument, in an effort to limit the crowd. However, despite the measures, in 2025, more than 10 million people queued to approach the fountain, with some days, during peak periods, the number of visitors “exploding” to 70,000, according to the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri.
The municipal authority estimates that the new ticket could generate annual revenues of between 6.5 and 20 million euros.
The coins collected from the fountain – which amount to approximately 1.5 million euros per year – will continue to be donated to the Caritas charity organization, which funds programs to support vulnerable social groups.
Ticket holders will be prohibited from consuming food or drinks near the fountain, and according to officials, they will also be protected from pickpockets who often target tourists who are absorbed by the beauty of the monument in the busy square.
The ticket for the Trevi Fountain is the latest in a series of measures taken in Italy to manage tourism, such as the entrance fee for daily visitors to Venice during peak periods and the entrance fee for Juliet’s balcony in Verona.
