November 6th 2024.
The city of Rome recently made headlines when they unveiled a rather unusual addition to the famous Trevi Fountain - a backyard swimming pool. This new feature was specifically designed for tourists to toss their coins into while the baroque landmark undergoes some much-needed renovations. However, the public's reaction to this development has been far from positive, with many harshly criticizing the decision.
The pool, which was erected last week, is surrounded by a tall fence covered in transparent plastic, making it difficult for visitors to successfully throw their coins into the water. As a result, loose change can now be found scattered around the perimeter, highlighting the challenges of hitting the pool. City officials have confirmed that the main purpose of this pool is to protect the workers who are carrying out the renovations from being hit by coins. Additionally, it will also ensure that the fountain can continue to collect around 1.5 million euros per year, which is then donated to the Catholic charity Caritas.
According to Claudio Parisi Presicce, the Capitoline superintendent for cultural heritage, the pool is a temporary measure that is being used to collect the coins as part of the beloved tradition of throwing coins into the fountain. However, many online commentators have not been as understanding, with some comparing the pool to a footbath or even a children's pool where they pee in the water during the summer. One commenter, posting under the name Mambo Italiano, described it as "the saddest thing I've seen in Italy in as long as I can remember."
As for the legend surrounding the coins, it is believed that throwing one coin over your shoulder into the fountain ensures a return to Rome, while two coins symbolize finding love with an attractive Italian, and three coins represent marrying that person. Other legends suggest that tossing coins into the fountain is a way to honor the gods of water. However, for now, the fountain is empty and a metal gangway has been erected to allow tourists to get a closer look at the sculpture of Oceanus, the Titan God of Earth, riding on galloping horses.
The renovations, which began in October and are expected to cost around 300,000 euros, are set to be completed in time for the 2025 celebrations in Rome. These celebrations mark a "jubilee" year in the Roman Catholic church and are expected to attract millions of visitors to the city. In the meantime, plans are being made to charge a two-euro admission fee for tourists to have the opportunity to toss their coins into the fountain. However, there are still some details to be worked out, such as the possibility of cordoning off the entire square, which has been met with complaints from local shops and residents.
Overall, the addition of the pool and the ongoing renovations have sparked a heated debate among the public. While some see it as a necessary measure to protect the workers and maintain the tradition of tossing coins into the fountain, others view it as a disrespectful and unnecessary change to a beloved landmark. Only time will tell how this controversy will be resolved, but for now, the coins will continue to be removed twice a day and the pool will be emptied and refilled every morning.
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