Rome is undergoing extensive construction as it prepares for the upcoming Jubilee celebrations, set to commence on Christmas Eve in December 2024 and conclude on January 6, 2026. As part of the maintenance, the iconic Trevi Fountain has been temporarily drained, resulting in visitors tossing coins over a plastic barrier into a plain pool. Reactions have varied from appreciation for maintaining the tradition to criticisms of the makeshift pool’s unattractive design.
The city’s maintenance efforts not only focus on the Trevi Fountain but are part of a larger initiative to beautify Rome ahead of the anticipated influx of up to 35 million pilgrims. This widespread effort, led by Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, involves over 3,200 public construction projects funded by state and EU resources. Additionally, these renovations encompass improvements to essential infrastructure, including transportation and waste management systems.
In an effort to manage the anticipated surge of visitors, officials intend to implement a reservation system for the Trevi Fountain by 2025. Visitors will need to pay a €2 fee to access the fountain and will be allowed a 30-minute visit. While renovations are ongoing, a glass and steel walkway is under construction, which will offer a unique viewing perspective of the fountain.
To mitigate tourist overcrowding, the city is also exploring new regulations on short-term rentals and has raised the tourist tax. Aiming to enhance visitor experiences, Rome plans to introduce an AI-powered virtual assistant named ‘Julia’ that will guide tourists to lesser-known attractions, thereby distributing foot traffic more evenly across the city.
Rome’s preparations for the upcoming Jubilee involve extensive construction, especially around the Trevi Fountain, now undergoing maintenance. While plans to manage tourist numbers include a reservation system and new fees, the city also aims to enhance overall visitor experiences through infrastructure improvements and an AI virtual guide. Local authorities are dedicated to addressing overtourism while ensuring that the city’s historical sites are preserved and accessible to millions expected during the Jubilee.
