Rome’s historic Trevi Fountain has officially reopened, following an extensive three-month restoration effort aimed at preserving its baroque beauty.
Originally constructed in the 18th century by architect Nicola Salvi and located on the façade of the Poli Palace, the fountain is a must-see destination, attracting thousands of visitors each day.
Previously, the fountain greeted between 10,000 and 12,000 tourists daily. To enhance visitor experience and avoid overcrowding, a new queuing system has been introduced.
Rome’s Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, stated that the new measures will “allow everyone to better enjoy the fountain without the hassle of large crowds.”
In addition to the new system, city officials are exploring the possibility of implementing a modest entry fee to help fund ongoing maintenance of the fountain.
The reopening took place on a rainy Sunday, with hundreds of tourists in attendance, many of whom celebrated by tossing coins into the fountain.
The restoration process included thorough cleaning to remove mold and calcium deposits, ensuring the fountain shines ahead of the upcoming jubilee of the Roman Catholic Church starting on Christmas Eve.
The Trevi Fountain’s structural challenges were highlighted in 2012 when pieces of its intricate cornice began to fall, necessitating a major renovation.
Historically, the tradition of making a wish by tossing coins into the fountain generated approximately €10,000 weekly, which supported a local charity providing meals for those in need.
The Trevi Fountain Highlights
- Commissioned by Pope Clement XII in 1730
- Serves as the termination point for one of Rome’s ancient aqueducts
- The Acqua Vergine aqueduct flows 20 kilometers before reaching the fountain
- Visitors can find a drinking tap hidden on one side of the fountain
- Legend says a young virgin guided Roman soldiers to the water source discovered in 19 BC
- The custom of coin tossing gained fame from the 1954 film Three Coins in the Fountain
