That perfect selfie at Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain could soon cost visitors more than the coin they are about to toss into it for luck. Because city officials are considering an entrance ticket to protect the timeless beauty of one of Rome’s most famous monuments.
Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri wants to introduce a limited-access reservation system to ease the crush of tourists at the famous fountain. Which is actually not a bad idea, as the celebrations for the 2025 Jubilee - a historic Catholic tradition held every 25 years – are expected to draw a staggering 32 million visitors to the Eternal City next year. Which inevitably means even more crowds, even more litter, and even more wear and tear for the Trevi.
The idea is to charge tourists (but not locals) a modest €2 fee and to create two zones: a free entrance piazza for strolling, and a reserved area for small groups to access the fountain’s front row for a closer look and prime selfie time.
All this because visitors often fail to treat the majestic fountain, designed by Nicola Salvi in 1762, with the respect it deserves. From tossing bread to pigeons, to taking a dip like Anita Ekberg did in the movie La Dolce Vita, to protesters dyeing the water, the fountain comes in for more than its fair share of abuse.
“We want to transform the Trevi Fountain into a true experience,” said councilor Alessandro Onorato, “not a chaotic struggle for the best selfie spot or a place to eat fast food.” Soon, although no date has been set, anyone planning a trip to Rome should check out booking a slot because, just as Rome was not built in a day, neither it seems is the plan to save one of its most iconic landmarks.
Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor
