Rome's coin toss tradition continues amid fountain repairs
Tourists visiting Rome are not satisfied, as access to the famous Baroque Trevi Fountain is hindered. The water has been drained, and the site is undergoing maintenance. However, the authorities have come up with a surprising solution. Thanks to this, tourists don't have to give up the tradition of throwing coins.
9:44 AM EDT, November 2, 2024
Tourists visiting the Eternal City in the near future should expect inconveniences and renovations. In Rome, many sites are being renovated in preparation for the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025. One such place is the famous Baroque Trevi Fountain, considered by many to be the most beautiful in the world.
Temporary pool in front of Trevi Fountain
Despite the ongoing maintenance work, tourists don't have to give up the tradition of tossing coins. Although the fountain is not currently flowing, a small pool resembling a bathtub has been set up in front of it. Tourists can throw coins into it in hopes of returning to the Eternal City, thus continuing the longstanding tradition.
For years, the money collected in this manner has been donated to the Roman organization Caritas for charitable purposes. Annually, this amounts to up to 1.5 million euros (around 7 million dollars).
Tourists' opinions on setting up a small pool next to the empty fountain are divided. Some are pleased that despite the renovation of the famous site, they can make a wish and toss a coin into the water. Others believe that the pool, resembling a bathtub, looks ridiculous and view the desire to gather money from tourists as exaggerated.
Works in Rome
As part of the fountain's ongoing renovation, a platform is expected to be built over the water surface, from which visitors can admire the Baroque gem. City authorities announced that after the work is completed, the number of people who can view the fountain at one time will be limited, and they do not rule out introducing a symbolic fee in the future.
Currently, the Trevi Fountain is surrounded by transparent panels and fencing, through which it can be viewed, but direct access to the monument is not possible. The city's authorities plan to complete all the work before the inauguration of the Holy Year in 2025, to restore the full splendor of one of Rome's most important tourist spots.
Source: PAP/X @Libertatea
