American students Fiona Hastings and Olivia Nieporte visited the Trevi Fountain during their first trip to Rome, intending to partake in the tradition of tossing coins into its historic basin. However, they found the fountain drained and only a small pool available for the ritual due to ongoing maintenance. Despite this unexpected turn, both expressed joy in the experience, noting that it remained memorable and engaging. Meanwhile, they successfully tossed their coins on the first attempt, though some tourists struggled with the new transparent barrier installed in front of the fountain.
The Trevi Fountain is undergoing a significant renovation costing €300,000, which commenced in early October. The scope of the renovation includes the installation of an elevated walkway for tourists, aimed at providing a closer view of the fountain and better monitoring of visitor flow. This initiative is particularly relevant as the city prepares for the impending €2 access fee, aimed at managing the impact of increasing tourists, particularly ahead of the 2025 jubilee.
Four million people visit the Trevi Fountain annually, with the new access fee intended to control overcrowding and protect the site. This fee comes as the city anticipates an influx of over 35 million tourists and pilgrims during the jubilee year. Anne Scheffer-Mann, celebrating her parents’ 50th anniversary, appreciated the maintenance efforts but noted the changes in experience from past visits.
Visitor satisfaction varies; while some, like Scheffer-Mann, recognize the need for repairs, others express disappointment over the change in the traditional coin-tossing experience. Katia from Veneto laments the loss of the original experience, having been a frequent visitor to Rome. Social media reactions included humor, with many sarcastically referring to the monument as a “municipal swimming pool.”
The coins tossed into the Trevi Fountain amount to approximately €1.5 million each year, contributing to the Catholic charity, Caritas. This gesture is rooted in an ancient tradition of offering to deities associated with water. The temporary changes at the fountain reflect a broader concern regarding overtourism and the preservation of cultural landmarks, emphasizing the need for sustainable tourism solutions.
The Trevi Fountain is currently undergoing renovations that have led to a temporary change in the traditional coin-tossing ritual, causing mixed reactions among visitors. While some appreciate the maintenance efforts, others express disappointment at the altered experience. The city seeks to manage increasing tourism with an access fee and monitoring systems in anticipation of the 2025 jubilee, highlighting the ongoing struggle between tourism and preservation. The annual tradition of tossing coins, which raises significant funds for charity, remains a focal point despite these changes.
