In 2019, new municipal regulations forbade bathing in the fountain, lying on its edge, and climbing it, among other restrictions, in order to protect the monument. Eating food around the fountain is also currently prohibited but the rule isn’t strictly enforced.
To improve the visitor experience and the quality of life for local residents, Alessandro Onorato, deputy mayor of tourism for Rome, wants to put an end to the overcrowding and disorderly conduct (including fights) that takes place around the Trevi Fountain by introducing a new entry system.
While the space around the fountain, including the Piazza di Trevi in front of it and the streets surrounding it, would remain accessible to all at all times, the area that is located down the stairs from the piazza and is closest to the basin would require a reservation-only ticket.
Onorato hopes that a reservation system would help regulate the flow of visitors. The ticket would cost €2 ($2.20) and allow for a 30-minute visit. Locals would be exempt from this modest fee.
According to Onorato, “The proceeds would be reinvested for the protection of the monument and to hire staff who would guarantee safety and manage the flow of tourists, creating new jobs.”
Rome is not the only Italian city trying to regulate crowds with entry fees. In April, 2024, Venice launched a limited-time Access Fee of €5 ($5.50) for day-trippers wanting to visit on certain dates. The scheme covered a period of 29 days and netted 2.5 million euros for the city.
Earlier this year, the authorities in Seville, Spain, the third most-visited city in the country, explained they wanted to introduce an entry fee to the magnificent Plaza de Espana square in order to limit crowds and provide funds to converse the structure.
Amsterdam is another European city attempting to fight overtourism and improve the quality of life for its residents with multiple drastic measures, including limiting short-term rentals and cruises, banning tourist-focused stores, and increasing its tourist tax. 