In these days of overtourism, some iconic locations suffer from too many tourists. The latest to be hit is Rome and its Trevi Fountain, which is often so crowded you can hardly see its beauty. For this reason, Rome is now taking steps to protect the site. In November, access to this major bucket list spot will be restricted to make way for necessary maintenance work. Moreover, Italy’s capital plans to introduce a ticket system to reduce tourist crowds and promote sustainable tourism.

Rome planning a ticket system to visit the Trevi Fountain

Authorities in Rome are finally taking steps to reduce crowds and protect the iconic Trevi Fountain so tourists in the future will still be able to visit the site and take photos. This is part of the city’s trend to promote sustainable tourism.

Dating back to the 18th century, the fountain has always been one of the “must-visit” sites in Rome, but it is often overcrowded with tourists and rife with pickpockets.

Alessandro Onotaro, Rome’s city councilor for tourism, told the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera:

Personally, I would be in favor of looking at a new form of access, limited and timed, to the Trevi Fountain.

Meanwhile, Onorato added that should it be enforced, it would be a ticket system, free for locals and costing a symbolic €1 ($1.09) for tourists. Meanwhile, officials say the goal of introducing the ticket system is not to raise money. Onorato said it will be put in place to lessen and control the never-ending crowds and stop them “eating ice cream or pizza on a monument that deserves the proper respect.”

Is the ticket system likely to be enforced?

Trevi Fountain is one of the most visited attractions in Italy and the world, meaning it is often packed with tourists, all struggling to get a look at the iconic fountain, designed by Italian architect, Nicola Salvi.

While Onorato is keen to start the ticketing system, a spokesperson for the city’s officials told AFP news agency that the proposal is only “an initial idea – there is nothing concrete yet”, adding:

It is a delicate, difficult issue, but sooner or later it must be addressed. Tourism in Rome, which is reporting record numbers, must be made sustainable for the city and the environment.

Meanwhile, the city attracts an average of 35 million visitors each year, a number set to increase in 2025 as the Jubilee begins. The year-long religious event, held in Rome and the Vatican, is likely to attract even more millions.

In the meantime, access to the Trevi Fountain will be limited during November as authorities clean the fountain. During that time, a fixed number of visitors will have access during the maintenance work, with a glass walkway to be constructed over the site to offer a unique view of the Baroque splendor.

At that time, officials say the restriction will be used to better understand the flow of visitors to the fountain. Moreover, it is likely to bring restricted access to the site, as well as an entrance fee to be introduced in 2025.