Italy: Reactions from tourists to the replacement of Fontana di Trevi with… a swimming pool

“Imagine if you had flown 14 hours to see Fontana di Trevi and instead found a municipal swimming pool.” This quote belongs to an X user, who rather mockingly comments on the placement of a small pool at the famous attraction until the restoration of the famous fountain is completed.

#twittamibeautiful
Romantica certo … Come la vasca montata a Fontana di Trevi … pic.twitter.com/C8kwxb8nec

— TAMARAmente (@TamyTamarina) November 1, 2024

The truth is that the Fontana di Trevi e is an attraction for many visitors to Rome, who probably express negative feelings about their temporary experience. Tourists go to the spot, wanting to perform the ritual of throwing a coin over their shoulder at the famous fountain.

However, the coins do not end up at the bottom of the famous 18th-century fountain, nor do they get wet by the water flowing from its ornate sculptures. The fountain, until further notice, is dry. Officials, to avoid either tourist grumbling or loss of revenue, have placed a transparent panel on the site and a small swimming pool, allowing tourists to observe the site.

The fountain emptied of water at the beginning of October, as €300,000 worth of work was being carried out. The site has been turned into a construction site. The plan is to build an elevated walkway that will allow tourists to get a closer look at the monument. Officials will be able to monitor the flow of tourists before introducing a €2 access fee.

Overtourism

The access fee is designed to help authorities gain control over the impact of over-tourism as millions of people flock to Fontana di Trevi each year.

Each year, an estimated 1.5 million euros are thrown into Fontana di Trevi. The money is raised by the Caritas charity run by the Catholic Church. The ritual of the coin is thought to have its roots in ancient pagan ritual offerings to the water gods.

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