If you are planning to visit Rome in the near future you will no longer have to push your way through the crowd to throw a coin directly into the Trevi Fountain to make a wish. The iconic landmark is currently undergoing an intensive restoration, with the spigots turned off and the fountain surrounded by scaffolding and elevated walkways. The interesting solution of the city of Rome? From now until the end of December, you can walk up to the larger-than-life statues of Trevi and throw your coins into a temporary bathtub-like pool in front of them.
In an effort to avoid the disappointment of seeing a deflated and scaffolding-surrounded fountain, the city of Rome has installed a narrow walkway that brings visitors closer to Oceanus, Trevi’s famous central water god, and more of the Baroque masterpiece.
“The perspective is truly spectacular,” said Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri at the inauguration of the walkway on November 9. The walkway definitely offers an inimitable experience. The elevated walkway spans the square’s terraced steps and towers some 3 meters above the fountain basin, bringing visitors within a few meters of the central figure group – a positioning that will most likely never be repeated.
As for your pocket full of coins, throwing them in the fountain is currently off-limits; Violators will be fined 50 euros. However, the city has placed a small rectangular basin in the square and within the confines of the catwalk so you can still throw. During the first weekend the pool was open, approximately 4,600 euros was raised, and some more in foreign currency. All funds will be donated to Caritas Rome, the Eternal City branch of the Catholic relief organization.
This small basin is currently the only option for visitors who still want to throw a coin in. . . something.
Ten years have passed since Trevi’s last major clean-up, an 18-month restoration that closed the fountain and obscured the view. Visitors peered through viewing windows at Nicola Salvi’s monumental fountain and over a plexiglass bridge that eventually served as a stage for fashion label Fendi’s 90th anniversary show in 2016. Since that overhaul, the fountain has suffered increasing demolition, both man-made and by nature. . With the upcoming anniversary, a year-long Catholic celebration expected to double the number of visitors to Rome by 2025, a new revival was inevitable.
The restoration work is expected to last until December and ideally be completed in time for the Christmas holidays (which traditionally start on December 8) or the opening of the anniversary festivities on December 24. A note at the location indicates that the work must be completed by December 31.
“Anniversaries bring growing pains. Since 1300, the first anniversary year, the city has undergone major changes every time pilgrims were expected,” says Liz Lev, art historian and Vatican expert. “This year, with the Trevi Fountain restored, pilgrims and tourists can experience up close this incredible view that the long-suffering pilgrims never got to see. Go early, for the peace and quiet, and go often, as I like, to enjoy this unique view of this amazing fountain.”
One positive outcome of the Trevi Fountain’s current restoration: visitors will get a unique up-close view to view the iconic statues they may never have again.
Photo by Pedro Pascual/Shutterstock
What you need to know now about visiting the Trevi Fountain
No matter what time of day, anyone can walk around Piazza di Trevi, but there are special visiting hours for the fountain. Access to the Trevi Walkway is from 9am. to 9 p.m. (with last admission at 8:30 p.m.), except on Mondays and Fridays, when admission is from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The catwalk can accommodate up to 130 people at a time; it is managed by a special team of five people, who manage traffic and decorum. In the first week, visitors waited in line for up to 45 minutes.
The possibility of a Trevi ticket requirement
The current construction work is not the last obstacle for fans of the Trevi Fountain. There is also the option of one proposed admission ticket that drives the city to create a more visitor-friendly and manageable traffic flow. The walkway “is a practical decision to ensure a better view of the fountain. Then we will assess what to do next,” Gualtieri explains.
In September, Gualtieri announced a Trevi ticket, potentially charging non-residents 2 euros for a reserved 30-minute time slot to visit the fountain. The plan involves dividing the area between a general open plaza and a reservation-only zone for close-up access. The system aims to reduce crowding, waste and wear and tear on the fountain, especially with visitor numbers expected to rise during the 2025 anniversary.
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