Rome Starts Charging €2 to Visit the Trevi Fountain
Vocabulary
to throw something lightly or without much effort
He tossed his jacket onto the chair when he got home.
to respect or like something because you think it is good or impressive
I've always admired her for being so dedicated to her work.
a well-known place that is important or easy to recognize
The Eiffel Tower is the most famous landmark in Paris.
money you must pay for a service or to enter a place
The app is free, but there's a monthly fee if you want extra features.
an old story that many people know, but that may not be true
According to legend, Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus.
an organization that helps people in need, often by collecting money
They raised money for charity by organizing a small community event.
Article
Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.
Rome Starts Charging €2 to Visit the Trevi Fountain For centuries, visitors to Rome have gathered at the Trevi Fountain to toss coins, take photos, and admire one of the city’s most famous views. Now, a tradition enjoyed by millions every year is about to change.
Starting in February 2026, tourists will be charged about €2 to enter the Trevi Fountain area during daytime hours, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. At night, the fountain can still be seen for free. Rome's mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, hopes the change will help reduce mass tourism.
On especially busy days, up to 70,000 people visit the fountain!
Now, only 400 people will be allowed inside at the same time. This means fewer crowds and more space to enjoy the view. Also, the rule is expected to protect visitors from pickpockets, and keep the historic landmark cleaner and safer.
The money from tickets will help take care of the fountain, which has been flowing since the 1700s. Meanwhile, the coins visitors throw into the fountain — around 1.5 million euros each year — will still go to charity to support people in need.
Speaking of coins, the Trevi Fountain is famous for its wishes. Throw one coin over your left shoulder with your right arm, and legend says you’ll return to Rome. Two coins mean love, and three mean marriage.
The fountain is a masterpiece of Baroque art, rich with drama and detail. It took more than a century to finish and was designed by architect Nicola Salvi.
Rome is also adding entrance fees to a few small museums, but Romans can still enter for free. As the mayor said, culture belongs to the people.
For visitors, the question is simple: is the Trevi Fountain worth €2? Many would say yes — especially if it brings you back to Rome someday!
Discussion
Have a discussion based on the following questions.
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What are your thoughts on Rome charging €2 to enter the Trevi Fountain area?
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Do you think a 400 person limit will make the experience better for visitors?
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What do you think are the most effective ways to deal with mass tourism?
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Have you been to Rome? Did you visit the Trevi Fountain?
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Do you know much about the history of the ancient Rome?
Further Discussion
Have a discussion based on the following questions.
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Do you enjoy visiting famous landmarks when you travel?
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Have you ever been somewhere that was too crowded to appreciate the beauty of?
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What are the most iconic landmarks in your town or city?
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What period of your country's history do you find most interesting?
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Is your town or city popular with tourists?