Rome Introduces Crowd Regulation at Trevi Fountain Following Restoration

Rome’s globally renowned Trevi Fountain has reopened to the public after undergoing a three-month restoration. Erected in the 18th Century by Italian architect Nicola Salvi on the façade of the Poli Palace, this historical fountain is recognized as one of the city’s most frequented destinations. Previously, the Trevi Fountain attracted between 10,000 and 12,000 visitors daily; however, a new queuing system has been implemented to manage and prevent the accumulation of large crowds around the landmark. Speaking on Sunday, Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri stated that imposing this limit will “allow everyone to better enjoy the fountain, without crowds or confusion.” Mayor Gualtieri also indicated that municipal authorities are considering the introduction of a modest entry fee to help finance the fountain’s upkeep. The re-opening event on Sunday took place under light rain, attended by several hundred tourists, many of whom followed the mayor’s example by tossing a coin into the fountain. The three-month cleaning project involved the removal of mould and calcium incrustations. This cleaning of the fountain, along with other significant city sites, was conducted in preparation for the jubilee of the Roman Catholic Church, which is scheduled to begin on Christmas Eve. The fountain’s compromised structural integrity became apparent in 2012 when sections of its elaborate cornice detached following a particularly severe winter, necessitating a multi-million euro renovation in the subsequent year. The practice of making a wish and casting a coin into the water is a deeply ingrained tradition, so much so that municipal authorities previously collected approximately €10,000 (£8,300; $10,500) weekly. These funds were then contributed to a charitable organization dedicated to providing meals for impoverished individuals. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.