‘The Saddest Thing I’ve Seen in Italy’: Rome’s Solution for Trevi Fountain Renovation Is a Children’s Pool

Rome’s Trevi Fountain has unfortunately become a symbol of mass tourism. The influx of visitors to this iconic spot in the Eternal City has led the city council, in a nod to actions taken in Venice, to consider charging visitors for close access. The fountain is currently under renovation, but city officials haven’t allowed that to interrupt potential revenue streams.

First came the reservation system. A few weeks ago, city officials proposed a system requiring reservations, free for Roman residents, along with a fee “to bring order.” This isn’t entirely new. Years ago, before the pandemic, the city banned eating and drinking near landmarks like the Trevi Fountain and the fountains in Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Navona.

If the local administration implements the new measure, visitors will need to book a spot and pay a €1 fee ($1.07) in addition to the tradition of tossing coins into the fountain. Although the site is under renovation, city officials have already devised a workaround.

Throwing coins into a children’s pool. According to CNN, this is how many visitors describe the experience these days. The city has installed a small temporary pool in front of the Trevi Fountain, allowing tourists to continue the tradition of tossing coins while the fountain is emptied for restoration. The measure allows the city to continue to collect revenue, of course.

Many have criticized the temporary structure for its makeshift and unattractive appearance. Surrounded by a clear plastic fence and set on an unfinished wooden base, the pool has been compared to a temporary installation from a home improvement store rather than a worthy substitute for one of Rome’s most iconic monuments. The high fence makes it challenging to toss coins into the pool, resulting in coins scattered around and adding to the installation’s untidy appearance.

Official justification. The Roman government justified the pool as “a method to protect workers” inside the fountain from being accidentally hit by tossed coins. Officials also noted that the tradition of coin-tossing brings in about €1.5 million ($1.6 million) annually, most of which is donated to the charity Caritas. The government wanted to maintain this revenue stream during the renovation.

However, the explanation hasn’t convinced critics, especially on social media, where users have described the pool as “a basin like those where you rinse your feet before entering the pool” and “the saddest thing I’ve seen in Italy.” Images of the installation have provoked a wave of sarcastic comments, highlighting the stark contrast between the pool and the Trevi Fountain’s grandeur and dignity.

A symbolic place. The Trevi Fountain isn’t just a historical monument but a cultural symbol imbued with many meanings. According to Roman legend, tossing one coin into the fountain ensures a return to the city. Throwing two or three coins is said to guarantee romance or even marriage to a Roman.

This tradition, immortalized in numerous films and books, has made the fountain a site of romantic pilgrimage and well wishes for millions of visitors worldwide. City officials say preserving this ritual is important, especially as Rome expects a massive influx of tourists for the Catholic Jubilee in 2025.

Restoration. According to CNN, the ongoing restoration, estimated to cost €300,000 ($320,000), is scheduled for completion before the 2025 Jubilee. In the meantime, officials have installed a metal walkway over the empty fountain, allowing tourists to get close to the fountain’s sculptures, including Oceanus, the mythological god surrounded by his horses.

The walkway, described as an “exclusive experience,” invites visitors to appreciate the fountain’s intricate details up close while work continues. Rome also boasts of being “the first European city in tourist growth,” with tens of millions of overnight stays per year. However, other major destinations have demonstrated that managing such high tourism levels can be challenging, particularly with monuments like the Trevi Fountain.

Image | David Lebech

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