In a substantial break with tradition, the city of Rome will start keeping the money people throw into the Trevi Fountain but not everyone is happy with the decision.
It’s one of Rome’s most famous sights. Photo by Martin Moos/Lonely Planet
Since 2001, all the money fished from the famous fountain has been donated to the Roman branch of Caritas, an international Catholic charity. They use the money to help homeless and poor people in the city but from 1 April the city’s administration is claiming the money for its own.
Instead, it will put the money towards welfare projects and improving Rome’s infrastructure. The city’s locals have protested recently over mounting problems in the Eternal City, most notably a huge amount of potholes and piles of rubbish that remain piled up and uncollected on the footpaths.
Nearly €4000 is thrown into the fountain every day. Photo by Will Salter/Lonely Planet
The decision was initially made in 2017 but was met with criticism and it wasn’t implemented. As Rome’s issues continue to mount up, some are beginning to think that it’s only right that the €1.5 million that is thrown into the fountain annually goes towards the city itself. City councillors approved the move in December, with the change due to go into effect on 1 April. However, opinion remains divided throughout the country and the move has met with disdainful headlines, claiming it is stealing from the poor.
The Trevi Fountain is nearly 350 years old but the tradition of throwing coins into the fountain really only started in 1954 with the movie Three Coins in the Fountain. The belief is that if you throw the coin over your left shoulder, using your right hand, it will bring you good luck and you will one day return to Rome. With Rome’s tourism boom ever on the increase, it just might be true.
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