Tiny Trevi Fountain stand-in pool draws scorn

ROME –

Rome recently made headlines when a temporary pool was constructed in front of the iconic Trevi Fountain, allowing tourists to continue the tradition of tossing coins for good luck while the fountain undergoes renovations. However, the reaction to this pool has been mixed, with some critics calling it a “footbath” and “architectural infantilism.”

The pool, surrounded by unpainted plywood and a tall fence covered in plastic, was built to protect workers inside the fountain from being hit by coins. It also ensures that the site can still collect around 1.5 million euros annually in coins, which are donated to the Catholic charity Caritas.

While city officials defend the pool as a necessary measure during maintenance, online commentators have not been as kind. Many have expressed disappointment and disapproval of the construction, with one person describing it as “the saddest thing I’ve seen in Italy in as long as I can remember.”

Admission fee

The Trevi Fountain is famous for the legend that tossing coins into it guarantees a return to Rome, finding love, or even marriage. The ongoing 300,000 euro renovation is expected to be completed in time for the 2025 jubilee celebrations in Rome, drawing millions of visitors.

In the meantime, a metal gangway is being installed over the empty fountain for tourists to get a closer look at the sculpture of Oceanus, the Titan God of Earth. Plans are also in place to potentially charge a two-euro admission fee for visitors to toss their coins, starting in April 2025.

Despite these plans, city authorities are still considering feedback from local businesses and residents regarding the potential impact of cordoning off the square. The coins are removed daily, and the pool is emptied and refilled each morning to maintain the tradition while the fountain undergoes restoration.