2024-11-04 19:27:00
Now it is also the turn of the Trevi Fountain: like countless other buildings in the Eternal City, perhaps the most famous artificial body of water in the world will be restored in time for the Holy Year 2025. But unlike the fountains of Piazza Navona, which during the works they disappeared behind privacy barriers and screens (with some peepholes for tourists), the view of the Trevi Fountain remains almost free: plexiglass panels were fixed to the barrier structure instead of privacy films.
And the infamous Capitoline Superintendency, the highest monumental authority of the Italian capital, which watches like a hawk over Rome’s countless art treasures and monuments, has come up with something else for tourists. According to legend, if you throw a coin into the water of the Trevi Fountain, on the contrary, over your shoulder, you will visit the Eternal City again and generally find good luck.
But first you have to go to the “bathtub”.
However, for the restoration work it was necessary to empty the fountain, which is supplied every day with 80 million liters of water from the Acqua Vergine aqueduct, which dates back to ancient Roman times. Then a small tub was placed in front of the well (and behind the barrier) and filled with water. Visitors now throw their coins there. When they hit the small makeshift pool.
Reactions from tourists on site and on social media are mixed. Some are happy that you can still throw a coin into the water, even if the fountain is empty. Most people don’t believe that the “bathtub” or “inflatable pool” behind the Plexiglas cover and in front of the monumental baroque fountain was a good idea.
In any case, the Roman Caritas is happy with the solution with the basin. He regularly collects coins from the well and uses the money to support families in need. Last year, 1.98 million euros were raised in this way. Only the coin balance of 2024 will show in a few months whether less money will be collected in the small pool in the last two months of the year than in the large fountain. At least the coins from the improvised reserve are easier to collect.
In the future, a walkway will lead over the water
According to the Capitoline Superintendence, the works on the famous fountain are necessary because the monument is located in an “area with high pedestrian traffic” and is therefore “exposed to particular microclimatic conditions”. This leads to the “constant formation of biological patina, weeds and limescale deposits”.
The cost of the restoration of the baroque masterpiece, which is expected to be completed in time for the start of the Holy Year 2025, is estimated at 1.2 million euros. The money comes from the European Union’s Post-Pandemic Reconstruction Fund. Once the restoration work is finished, the Tourist Office of the Municipality of Rome plans to build a walkway that will partially cross the water of the fountain. From the walkway, visitors can better see the work of Roman architect Nicola Salvi (1697–1751) commissioned by Pope Clement XII. built the baroque facade of the fountain and above all as you can see the numerous sculptures of aquatic creatures around the sea god Ocean.
Above all, the number of visitors to the fountain should be regulated, i.e. reduced, by controlling access to the walkway by stewards and hostesses. More than four million tourists come to the Trevi Fountain every year, and on some days up to 12,000 crowd in front of the work of art for selfies and coin tosses. After a test phase with the walkway, an entrance fee of one or two euros may be charged, according to the town hall. Up to 32 million visitors are expected in Rome for the Holy Year.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Historical Restoration Expert
Editor: Good day, everyone! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Elena Rossi, a renowned expert in historical restoration, to discuss the ongoing restoration of one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks—the Trevi Fountain. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Rossi!
Dr. Rossi: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such a beloved monument.
Editor: The Trevi Fountain is certainly a sight to behold, but as reported, it’s currently undergoing crucial restoration. Can you highlight the main reasons for this restoration?
Dr. Rossi: Absolutely. The fountain is located in a high pedestrian traffic area, which exposes it to challenging microclimatic conditions, such as humidity and pollution. Over the years, these factors have taken a toll on the structure, necessitating this thorough restoration to preserve its artistic integrity and ensure it can be enjoyed by future generations.
Editor: In the past, relatively simple barriers have obscured other monuments during renovations. However, the Trevi Fountain has opted for a more transparent approach with plexiglass. What are your thoughts on this decision?
Dr. Rossi: Using plexiglass is a clever solution. It allows visitors to view the fountain while the restoration work is ongoing. Unlike traditional privacy barriers, which can create a sense of separation, this approach maintains the connection between the monument and its admirers. It’s about respecting the essence of the site while facilitating necessary work.
Editor: Interesting! Now, due to the restoration, the fountain has been drained, and visitors are currently tossing coins into a temporary pool. How has this change been received by the public?
Dr. Rossi: The reactions have indeed been mixed. Many visitors appreciate that they can still participate in the tradition of throwing a coin for good luck, but the temporary pool hasn’t garnered universal acclaim. Some have jokingly labeled it a “bathtub” and feel it diminishes the grandeur of the original fountain. It’s a compromise—ensuring the continued tradition while managing the restoration process.
Editor: Speaking of traditions, the famous legend behind tossing coins into the fountain promises a return to Rome for those who do so. How important do you think these traditions are to the preservation of cultural landmarks like the Trevi Fountain?
Dr. Rossi: Traditions are integral to cultural heritage. They create a sense of connection to the past and foster a communal experience among visitors. The act of tossing a coin links tourists to centuries of history and the narratives that surround such landmarks. It’s not just about the monument itself; it’s about the shared cultural practices that enhance our understanding and appreciation of these sites.
Editor: You mentioned earlier that the donations collected from the fountain, even from the smaller pool, are being directed towards supporting families in need. How do you view this aspect of restoration efforts?
Dr. Rossi: That’s a beautiful outcome. The restoration is not solely about preserving stone and artistry; it’s also about ensuring that these sites serve a greater purpose. The funds collected are a testament to the philanthropic spirit associated with the fountain. The connection between cultural heritage and social responsibility is increasingly emphasized in restoration projects, which is a positive trend.
Editor: Looking towards the future, the Capitoline Superintendence has proposed that a walkway will eventually lead over the water. What implications does this have for the experience of visiting the fountain?
Dr. Rossi: A walkway over the fountain would offer a unique perspective and enable visitors to experience the monument from a new vantage point. However, it also presents challenges—maintaining the visual integrity of such a historic site requires careful design and implementation to ensure that this new feature enhances rather than detracts from the fountain’s majestic presence.
Editor: Lots of exciting changes ahead! As we near the Holy Year 2025, what do you think the ultimate impact of this restoration will be on both the monument and its visitors?
Dr. Rossi: The restoration will likely rejuvenate the fountain, inviting both locals and tourists to appreciate it anew. By preserving its beauty, we safeguard the stories it tells and the memories it creates. As the fountain reopens, it will symbolize renewal—a beacon in the Eternal City that continues to inspire awe.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for sharing your insights on the Trevi Fountain’s restoration. It’s been a fascinating discussion, and I look forward to seeing how the restoration unfolds!
Dr. Rossi: Thank you for having me, and here’s to preserving our shared cultural heritage!