Rome to Charge 2-Euro Fee for Trevi Fountain Access

Rome, Italy—Starting February 1, the city of Rome will charge nonresident tourists a 2-euro fee for close-up access to the Trevi Fountain during peak daylight hours, aiming to curb overcrowding and fund preservation efforts for the iconic landmark.

The fee applies to visitors seeking to approach the fountain's basin edge from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., where they can toss coins into the water following the tradition that promises a return to the city. Viewing the Baroque masterpiece from the surrounding piazza remains free, and access after nightfall will not require payment. Rome residents are exempt, aligning with broader initiatives to ensure free cultural access for locals. Officials project the measure could generate up to 6.5 million euros annually, helping offset maintenance costs for the city's heritage sites.

The decision follows more than a year of discussions and builds on a successful yearlong pilot program that introduced lines and pathways to limit crowds at the fountain's front. According to Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, around 9 million people have participated in the controlled access so far this year, with some days seeing as many as 70,000 visitors. "Two euros isn't very...