Trevi fountain in Rome: Renovation ensures mixed feelings in Romans

Trevi fountain in Rome: Renovation ensures mixed feelings in Romans

Trevi-Brunnen, Rom, Italien - The Trevi fountain in Rome, a symbol of the eternal city, is currently a shadow of himself! The famous fountain has been renovated since the beginning of October to prepare it for the Holy Year 2025. These comprehensive work include thorough cleaning and restoration of the baroque sculptures, which meant that the fountain had to be completely empty. However, the Romans are anything but enthusiastic about the sight of the empty fountain and the temporary pool made of plywood and plexiglass that was installed in front of the scenery.

a sad sight for the Romans

The provisional pool should enable tourists to continue to maintain the tradition of coin tunnel - a legend says that this guarantees a safe return to Rome. But the Romans find the sight of the empty fountain and the "paddling pool" as heartbreaking. A user expressed on X: "This is the saddest thing I have ever seen in Italy." Despite the negative reactions, interest in the attraction has increased because a jetty leads over the empty fountain, which enables visitors to look at the sculptures up close. In just six days after the installation, 44,000 visitors were counted, including many locals who want to see the fountain from a new perspective.

The city administration has not only installed the provisional pool for nostalgic reasons. It also serves to protect the craftsmen from falling coins while the income for Caritas is secured at the same time. Every year, millions of euros flow through this tradition into the health insurers. But the plans for the future are even more exciting: from April 2025, access to the Trevi fountain could be chargeable, which follows the example of other Italian cities that have already collected entrance fees for tourists. The restoration is to be completed this year, and the anticipation for the reopening of the well is already noticeable!