Along with the Colosseum and Spanish steps, the 18th-century Trevi Fountain is right at the top of every tourist’s bucket list when visiting Rome. And who can blame ‘em? Not only is it a stunning piece of historical architecture, it’s also completely free to visit. But that may soon change as Rome contemplates implementing a ticketing system for the iconic landmark. 

In an effort to combat over tourism, the city of Rome is looking at putting a ticketing system in place for tourists to visit the Trevi Fountain. The aim of the new system will be to control and reduce the crowds that visit the historic site each year. More than 7 million tourists visit the Trevi Fountain each year. While many come, toss a coin, take a photo and leave, some tourists linger, eating gelato and pizza at the iconic landmark. 

“Personally I would be in favour of looking at a new form of access, limited and timed, to the Trevi Fountain,” Alessandro Onorato, Rome’s city councillor responsible for tourism, told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

For Romans, if a ticketing system was implemented it would remain free to visit the Trevi Fountain. But tourists will have to reserve a time to visit the site and it would cost €1. Onorato has insisted that making money is not the goal of the ticketing system, rather it is to lessen and deter crowds from lingering around the site which puts stress on the monument. 

This isn’t the first time an Italian city has had to resort to charging tourists to curb over tourism. As of April this year, Venice introduced an entry fee tax of €5 for travellers looking at popping into the city for just the day. The aim was to deter day-trippers from placing extra pressure on the floating city during its busiest time of the year. 

If you are planning a trip to Rome, ensure every meal is a great one with our ultimate guide to Rome. In our guide you can find the best restaurants to eat pizza, pasta and gelato. You can access it here. Prego!

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