Legend says, a traveller throwing a coin over their shoulder into the fountain water will receive good fortune and guarantee them a return to Rome. This legend is revisited by Hollywood as seen in the 1954 film, Three Coins in the Fountain.
Having recently undergone a major refurbishment and was unveiled in November 2015, the Trevi Fountain is a favourite place for Italians and visitors from all over the world to gather and participate in the popular coin tradition and enjoy a gelato while admiring the view.
So, where do all the coins go?
Have you ever wondered where the 1.5 million euro ($2.38 m) of coins collected each year actually goes? The Catholic charity Caritas, which began in 1971 distributes the money collected, assisting the disadvantaged and the homeless of the city of Rome.
What’s going to change?
The recently elected Mayor of Rome, Virginia Raggi has proposed that all collected monies should go to deal with the mounting rubbish in the city, as well as fix potholes. This proposal has since been approved and will be implemented in April 2019. Rome’s first female mayor’s plans have not gone unnoticed. The Catholic daily paper Avvenire accused the Council for neglecting the city’s poor. Cries of support for the Catholic church from politicians, clerics and journalists urging the Council of Rome to not change its laws and continue to support the disadvantage.
While the ‘important’ people of the Eternal city work in the background to keep Rome the amazing city it is, the tourists visiting will continue to have these beautiful sites to visit and admire.
Vita Italian Tours have a number of small group tours that visit Rome, so you will get to experience the wonder of the Eternal city, including the Trevi Fountain. You’ll get the opportunity to throw a coin over your shoulder, bringing you good fortune and if you believe the legend guarantee you will return.
If independent travel is more your style, why not let Vita Italian Tours plan a tailor-made visit of Rome with our expert local guides.
Contact us today to plan your next visit.
