Trevi Fountain pictured in 2027 The Independent
Trevi Fountain Charging Tourists for the Famous Attraction
MARCH 4, 2026
One of the top four most visited countries, Italy is home to some of the most famous and beloved tourist attractions one is highly recommended to experience in life. It ranges from grand historical sites like the Colosseum, to smaller, more traditionally spirited attractions like the Trevi Fountain; the Italian experience is evidently popular, as 500,000 tourists on average are recorded to be visiting daily as of 2025. The overwhelming number of tourists can be considerably taxing to these grand Italian cities, being one of the main reasons why the Trevi Fountain has recently put a fee for its attraction in place.
Located in Rome, specifically the Piazza de Trevi, the fountain was originally commissioned by Pope Clement XII in 1730 in order to replace a fountain from the 15th century. The design was created by architect Nicola Salvi and was built from 1732 to 1762. It depicts the figure Oceanus, a Titan of Greek mythology, symbolizing the taming of waters.
The popularized tradition of this fountain today of throwing coins was inspired by the 1954 film Three Coins in the Fountain, generally meant to ensure a return to Rome, however other meanings like finding love or marrying may be associated with it as well. The fountain brings a sense of wonder and serendipity, a reason why it is so popular among tourists.
“Part of what makes the Trevi Fountain magical is being able to access it so easily, throwing in a coin and making a wish,” EBHS Junior Ally Wong said. “When that’s taken away I feel like it's less of a spontaneous experience, and feels too commercialized."
As of February 2026, the tax was centered as an attempt to solve the issues associated with tourism. A close up of the bottom-basin of the fountain, previously free, now comes with the cost of 2 euros. The intensity of tourism is one reason, as the area becomes chaotic when too many people are present at this attraction. Another reason is that the fee will be able to help finance the maintenance of the masterpiece.
The city expects to earn 6.5 million euros annually from this, using this revenue to improve the infrastructure of the city. Not only do they plan to improve city conditions, but it plans to improve the experience of tourists overall in public spaces.
“The coins already go to charity, which is good in itself, but a structured tourism tax could help fund the fountain itself even more,” EBHS Junior Allison Chen said. “It’s a good way to help the fountain stay intact because the city can’t keep up with the damage”
Some may feel that a fee used to regulate the tourist experience reflects the good intention of the city. However, others feel it takes away from the accessibility of this fountain, given many other attractions in Italy are as expensive as is. Above it all, Italian tourism has changed with time, and so the fee on the Trevi Fountain is one attempt to adjust to this drastic change in conditions.
