The Trevi Fountain, a must-see for many first-time visitors to Rome, has maintained its charm and allure even during recent restoration efforts that temporarily obstructed access. Tourists flock to the historic site, eager to partake in the time-honored tradition of tossing a coin over their shoulder into the fountain—an act that symbolizes a wish to return to the Eternal City. This ritual has gained worldwide recognition, notably from the 1954 film “Three Coins in the Fountain” and its Oscar-winning song performed by Frank Sinatra.
Even a significant three-month restoration that veiled the fountain behind protective panels failed to deter coin tossers. Instead, they found alternative ways to engage in the custom, contributing approximately €61,000 (around $63,000) to a collection tub situated nearby—a clear testament to the magnetic pull of the fountain.
Fabrizio Marchioni, who has dedicated 13 years to collecting and counting the tossed coins as part of his work with the Roman Catholic charity Caritas, shared insights on the phenomenon. "The tourist is going to toss a coin, they don’t care about construction or no construction,” he explained during a chilly December morning just days before the fountain's anticipated reopening.
As restoration work comes to a close and access is restored, the Trevi Fountain stands ready to welcome even more visitors, eager to participate in its storied traditions and enjoy the revitalized surroundings of one of Rome's most iconic landmarks.
