Many travellers flock to Rome to marvel at its magnificent architecture and rich history, but one of the city’s most famous attractions is currently falling far below expectations. The iconic Trevi Fountain, a must-see for anyone visiting, is closed for maintenance, leaving tourists feeling disappointed with an unattractive replacement.
Instead of enjoying the stunning fountain, visitors are now tossing coins over a plastic barrier into a makeshift pool that many are calling “ugly”. This temporary setup, made from bare wood, has drawn mixed reviews, with some visitors expressing frustration at the sight of this eyesore.
Under normal circumstances, the coins tossed into the Trevi Fountain raise a significant amount for the Catholic charity Caritas, which uses the donations to support various welfare projects. However, with the fountain drained, this beloved tradition has been interrupted, adding to the disappointment.
As Rome prepares for a major increase in tourists – expected to reach 32 million during the 2025 Roman Catholic Holy Year – the city is already feeling the strain. Typically, around 21 million people visit each year, so preparations are underway to manage the influx. City officials have secured funding for improvements, including €1.3 billion from the state and €3 billion from EU recovery funds.
To manage the crowds at the Trevi Fountain, plans are being developed for a booking system that will require visitors to pay a small fee to enter, limiting how long they can spend there.
Meanwhile, Piazza Venezia remains mostly closed to traffic as construction continues on the new Metro C station, aimed at improving public transport near the Colosseum.