Italy bans coin toss tradition at Trevi Fountain during restoration

Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain is undergoing a major maintenance overhaul, and with it comes changes for the thousands of tourists who flock to the landmark each year.

Tourists in Rome will no longer be permitted to toss coins into the fountain over their shoulders, as has been traditional, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.  

A new elevated walkway now offers limited access to the monument during maintenance work, allowing visitors to view the fountain from above.   Rome’s Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, unveiled the steel walkway on Saturday, calling it a "unique experience" that will give tourists a closer look at the fountain while preventing overcrowding. The walkway, which spans over the fountain’s basin, can hold up to 130 people at a time.  

However, visitors will not be able to throw coins into the fountain from this vantage point, as the fountain is currently drained. Those who attempt to do so could face a 50-euro fine, the mayor warned. It is said in city lore that tossing a coin into the Baroque fountain ensures a return visit to Rome.  

Mayor Gualtieri explained that a small pool has been placed next to the walkway to collect the coins, which will be donated to the Caritas charity to help fund meals for those in need.   The walkway will remain in place until the maintenance work is completed, which is expected by the end of the year.  

Rome city officials are also working on a plan to restrict access around the fountain. Under this plan, visitors will need to book tickets online and pay a two-euro fee. Once inside, they will have 30 minutes to enjoy the fountain.

By Naila Huseynova