Rome has started charging visitors €2 to access the steps down to the Trevi Fountain basin. This new fee aims to better manage crowds and fund the fountain’s upkeep. More than 10 million people visited Trevi in 2025 alone. Portuguese tourist Teresa Romero paid the fee and said, "I think it’s normal and €2 is nothing – the price of a coffee. The most important thing is to preserve history." Visitors can toss coins, take photos, and enjoy the fountain but cannot eat, drink, or smoke there. The charge applies from 11:30 am to 10 pm on weekdays and from 9 am to 10 pm on weekends. Locals, disabled people, and children under six are exempt. Tickets can be bought on site via cash or contactless payment or online. Simona Ugolinelli, a Rome councillor, said, "This is a very small payment to allow us to protect the Trevi fountain." She expects the fee to bring in €6.5 million annually to support Trevi and other monuments. Some tourists protested. Georgian visitor Irma Pavitashvili said, "This fountain should be for everyone." US tourist Alma Peterson added, "It’s not right to charge people – this is history, it should be free." Rome is not alone; similar tourist fees exist elsewhere. The Pantheon has charged €5 since 2023. Venice and Verona also impose fees for popular sites to control rising visitor numbers and protect heritage. This new fee reflects ongoing efforts in Italy’s capital to balance tourism and preservation.