Amid a three-month restoration project that temporarily restricted public access to the Trevi Fountain, the tradition of tossing coins into the renowned landmark has proven remarkably resilient. Tourists, undeterred by the construction barriers, gathered in droves to participate in the cherished ritual, which is said to guarantee a return visit to Rome.
Famed as a result of the 1954 film "Three Coins in the Fountain" and its Oscar-winning title song, the practice remains a must for first-time visitors. Even with direct access blocked, many resorted to lob coins into a makeshift collection container, contributing around 61,000 euros (approximately $63,000) during the restoration period.
Fabrizio Marchioni, who has spent over a decade collecting and counting the coins for the Roman Catholic charity Caritas, noted that construction did not deter the tourists. “The tourist is going to toss a coin, they don't care about construction or no construction,” he remarked during a cold December day just before the iconic fountain’s reopening.
This ongoing influx of coins reflects the enduring allure of the Trevi Fountain, a cornerstone of Rome's cultural and tourist identity.
