Rome will begin charging a €2 fee for non-residents who want to get close to the Trevi Fountain, a change aimed at managing heavy crowds at one of the city’s most visited sites. The measure is set to take effect in February, with residents of Rome exempted. City officials describe the fee as part of a broader effort to protect the monument and improve the visitor experience while keeping the landmark open and accessible.

Highlights:

• Resident exemption: The city plans to exempt people who live in Rome from the new close-up access charge, distinguishing locals from day-trippers and other visitors.
• Crowd management: The new setup is designed to reduce congestion around the fountain’s viewing area by putting a small price and structure on “up-close” access, rather than limiting visits outright.
• Visitor experience: Officials say the approach is meant to make the area safer and more enjoyable for everyone by easing the crush at peak times and helping protect the site.
• Tourism revenue: Even a modest per-visitor fee can create a steady funding stream for maintenance and staffing at a high-traffic attraction, effectively turning footfall into preservation support.

Perspectives:

• Rome city administration: The fee is presented as a practical tool to manage overtourism pressures near the monument and to support upkeep and day-to-day management of the area. (BBC News)
• Tourists and visitors: Visitors will face a small additional cost to access the closest viewing area, which may encourage planning ahead and spreading visits across less crowded times or nearby areas. (CBS News)

Sources:

• Visiting the Trevi Fountain now will cost more than just a coin toss with a 2-euro tourist fee - abcnews.go.com
• Rome introduces tourist fee for some Trevi fountain visitors - cbsnews.com
• Tourists to face €2 fee to get near Rome's Trevi Fountain - bbc.com