Trevi Fountain reopens amid controversy over renovation costs
- The Trevi Fountain underwent three months of renovation, focusing on cleaning and restoration.
- To manage tourist traffic, entry will be limited to 400 visitors at a time, with a 2 euro fee for access.
- The reopening is timely for the jubilant 2025 celebration, highlighting Rome's commitment to preserving its cultural landmarks.
On December 22, 2024, Rome's Trevi Fountain reopened following extensive maintenance work that lasted three months. This significant event took place ahead of the 2025 Jubilee Holy Year, which is anticipated to attract millions of visitors to the Italian capital. The renovations involved thorough cleaning of the beautiful 18th-century monument, which included removing accumulated dirt, pollution, and limescale. The maintenance work aimed not only to restore the fountain's grandeur but also to prepare it for the expected influx of tourists during the Jubilee celebrations. With the goal of managing the overwhelming visitor numbers, Rome City officials have introduced a visitor limit of 400 people at any given time. This measure is intended to provide tourists with ample opportunity to appreciate the fountain and understand its cultural significance without the chaos of overcrowding. Additionally, visitors will be required to book their entry online and pay a nominal fee of 2 euros ($2.20) for access, allowing them 30 minutes to enjoy the fountain after entering. The Trevi Fountain is not just a major tourist attraction; it embodies a long-standing tradition associated with tossing coins into its waters. This custom is said to guarantee a return visit to Rome, and the tradition generates an impressive annual revenue of approximately 1.5 million euros ($1.6 million) from coins thrown by visitors. Over the past 15 years, this money has been donated to the Catholic charity Caritas. During the renovation work, a temporary walkway was established so that tourists could continue to participate in this beloved practice even while maintenance was ongoing. The reopening of the Trevi Fountain is a significant moment for Rome, especially with the upcoming Jubilee Holy Year on the horizon. The careful planning to enhance the visitor experience, along with the introduction of an online booking and entry fee system, reflects the city's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while accommodating the growing number of tourists. As Rome prepares for the Jubilee celebrations, the Trevi Fountain stands as a renewed symbol of the city's rich history and its allure as a global tourist destination.