Trevi Fountain Under Renovation: Rome’s Temporary ‘Coin Pool’ Draws Mixed Reactions from Visitors

This time last year, we were wandering Rome’s winding cobblestone streets, navigating narrow alleys and bustling piazzas, searching for a glimpse of the iconic Trevi Fountain. When we finally located it, we were surrounded by a crowd of people marveling at its Baroque grandeur, snapping photos, and of course, tossing coins into the water. We managed to squeeze in a selfie, capturing that perfect moment alongside the towering Oceanus and his galloping horses. Little did we know, we were among the last to experience the fountain as it was, in all its historic beauty, before the recent construction changed its look entirely.

Today, Rome is giving its beloved Trevi Fountain a major facelift, and it hasn’t come without controversy. In an effort to keep the centuries-old landmark accessible to visitors, the city has built a temporary coin pool just outside the fountain, allowing people to continue the tradition of tossing coins even while the fountain is emptied for repairs. But the makeshift basin, made of unpainted plywood and bordered by transparent plastic, has sparked mixed reactions. Some see it as a practical solution, while others, including us, worry it takes away from the fountain’s timeless appeal.

Walking up to this modern installation would feel vastly different than approaching the classic Trevi Fountain. We can imagine visitors arriving with the same excitement we had, only to be met by a fenced-off construction area rather than the inviting openness of the fountain we knew. The new pool, surrounded by plastic and elevated behind a tall fence, has already proven tricky for visitors, with coins scattering around its perimeter from missed throws. According to city officials, this setup was constructed to protect workers from coin-throwing hazards during the extensive renovations, which are projected to continue through 2025.

The renovations are no small feat, with the project estimated at 300,000 euros (roughly $327,550). A highlight of the renovation plans includes a metal walkway to allow tourists to view the fountain’s intricate sculptures up close, including the impressive Oceanus, the Titan God of Earth, who stands at the heart of the fountain.

However, Rome’s plans go beyond this temporary pool. There’s talk of charging visitors a two-euro admission fee to get close to the fountain and toss their coins—along with the possibility of closing off the entire square. This idea has drawn considerable pushback from locals, shop owners, and even some travelers, who see it as compromising the authentic charm of the site. Coins tossed into the Trevi Fountain have traditionally gone to Catholic charity Caritas, collecting an estimated 1.5 million euros annually for those in need.

Yet for us, it’s hard to imagine how a metal structure in front of the fountain would feel or look in photos. The Trevi Fountain is a piece of history—its grandeur lies in its open space and majestic layout, which invites visitors to take it all in without barriers. Adding a walkway or blocking off the square seems like it would disrupt the elegance and simplicity of the fountain. Capturing it in photos with steel and fences in the frame just doesn’t hold the same magic. The area around the fountain is meant to feel open, ancient, and a bit whimsical—a place where we felt like we were stepping into a story from centuries ago. With a metal walkway cutting through, it’s hard to imagine the scene holding the same charm.

Of course, the city aims to preserve and protect this beloved monument, and renovations are essential. But we hope that once the work is complete, the Trevi Fountain can regain its open allure and aesthetic integrity. The legends surrounding the fountain—tossing one coin to ensure a return to Rome, two for romance, three for marriage—are steeped in tradition. We were thrilled to take part in this ritual ourselves, and we want future travelers to feel the same enchantment we did.

For now, the temporary pool is here, emptied and refilled daily, with coins removed twice a day to maintain the beloved custom. As renovations unfold, there’s hope that the city will find a way to balance preservation with the enchanting atmosphere that has drawn visitors like us for generations.

 

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