Starting February 2, Rome’s Trevi Fountain introduced a €2 (about $2.35) tourist tax for anyone entering the basin area.
The Trevi Fountain fee will be charged daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., when the site sees the most foot traffic. That is, except for Mondays and Fridays, when the timeframe will be from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Only ticketed persons will be able to enter the basin area during those times. However, sightseeing the fountain from the standing area surrounding it, farther from the basin, will remain free. Additionally, Turismo Roma notes that access to the basin will remain free for local residents, children under 5, and people with disabilities (and their caretakers).
Tickets can be purchased online, in person at certain authorized sellers throughout Rome, or at the Trevi Fountain’s entrance. Just be aware that payments at the site can only be completed by card.
After 10 p.m., everyone will have free access to the basin area.
What Else Is There To Know About The New Trevi Fountain Fee?
The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most famous and historic landmarks. Pope Clement XII commissioned the site’s construction in 1732, and Italian sculptor and architect Nicola Salvi designed the project before spearheading the beginning of its construction that same year. Architect and scenographer Giuseppe Pannini later took on the project, and the Trevi Fountain was completed in 1762. The site has since undergone restorations, including one funded by Maison Fendi in 2014. Notably, the site sees around 30,000 tourists daily during peak seasons, according to Travel And Tour World.
Lovers of classic film flock to the Trevi Fountain to stand where director Federico Fellini memorably shot Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg in 1960’s La Dolce Vita. Years before that, the Roman landmark was also prominently featured in 1954’s Three Coins in the Fountain, directed by Jean Negulesco.
The basin area is the closest spot to the fountain itself for visitors. It’s the best place to view the detailed sculptures right above the water and to toss coins in the fountain. It’s believed that throwing a coin in means the person will revisit Rome one day. Meanwhile, legend has it that tossing two coins means you’ll find romance with an Italian, and tossing three coins calls for wedding bells.
Introducing the tourist fee is part of an effort to tackle overtourism, particularly overcrowding at the Trevi Fountain. CNN reports that Roman officials believe the Trevi Fountain fee could generate up to €20 million ($23 million) annually.
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