Rome’s Trevi Fountain Undergoes Maintenance: A Temporary Wish Pool
Tourists hoping to toss a coin and make a wish at Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain are currently facing an unusual challenge. With the fountain drained for essential maintenance, they must now throw their coins over a plastic barrier into a small, makeshift pool. This rectangular box, stark and unadorned with its plywood finish, has sparked mixed reactions among visitors.
“I think it is a very sweet gesture that people can still do that,” said Marianna Strekstadt, a visitor from the Netherlands who encountered the temporary arrangement last Friday. In contrast, Daniela Carbone described the substitute pool as “ugly.” Nonetheless, she encouraged her children to toss their coins into the pool, stating, “We have to please the children.”
According to local lore, tossing a coin into the Baroque fountain is believed to ensure a return trip to the Eternal City. This cherished tradition generates an estimated €1.5 million annually, which has been generously donated to the Catholic charity Caritas for the past 15 years, highlighting the cultural significance of this custom.
Visitor Reactions
- Many tourists have described the temporary pool as “ugly.”
- Despite its appearance, some families still participate in the tradition.
Why is Construction Rampant in Rome?
The ongoing maintenance at the Trevi Fountain is part of a larger beautification initiative aimed at preparing the Eternal City for the upcoming Jubilee, a sacred event held by the Roman Catholic Church every 25 years. The Jubilee is set to commence on Christmas Eve (December 24, 2024) and will conclude on the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6, 2026). During this period, it is anticipated that up to 35 million pilgrims will flock to the city, seeking forgiveness, renewal, and celebration.
In anticipation of this influx, visitors to Rome have encountered numerous closed roads and monuments surrounded by scaffolding and construction boards. In July, Rome’s Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, informed news agency Reuters that a record 3,200 public construction projects were currently underway.
Billions of euros from state and EU funds are being invested into the city to not only refresh its iconic historical landmarks but also to enhance infrastructure, including transportation and waste management systems.
As the Vatican’s Jubilee Year approaches, visitors will also have the opportunity to utilize the city’s new AI-based virtual assistant, ‘Julia’. Available through WhatsApp and other messaging platforms, Julia aims to introduce tourists to lesser-known attractions, thereby alleviating the pressure on Rome’s most visited sites.
Future Plans for Trevi Fountain Access
The Trevi Fountain’s maintenance is expected to continue until approximately September 2025. Interestingly, to manage the overwhelming number of tourists at this beloved site, Rome City officials are devising a plan to restrict access to the area surrounding the fountain. Under the new proposal, visitors will be required to book their entry online and pay a fee of €2 to enter the vicinity. Once inside, they will have a limited time of 30 minutes to enjoy the fountain.
Currently, access to the fountain is restricted to a specific number of tourists while maintenance work is in progress, which may serve as a precursor to the proposed fee structure set to be introduced in 2025.
Although the fountain’s water has been drained, a glass and steel walkway is being constructed across the monument, providing visitors with a unique perspective of this magnificent site. The reservation system is just one component of Rome’s broader strategy to combat tourist overcrowding. Additionally, new regulations on short-term rentals and an increase in the city’s tourist tax last month aim to address the challenges of overtourism.
