Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain is set to receive a thorough cleaning, with a glass and steel walkway being constructed across the monument to facilitate the process.
This initiative will restrict visitor access as the water is drained for the scrubbing. Only a limited number of people will be allowed on the walkway at any given time, which city authorities suggest could be a precursor to introducing an entrance fee for the baroque landmark.
The Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most beloved tourist attractions, is famous for the tradition of visitors throwing a coin over their left shoulder with their right hand into the water, a gesture believed to ensure a return to the Eternal City. The fountain gained cinematic fame in the 1960 film La Dolce Vita, featuring a memorable scene with Swedish actress Anita Ekberg and Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni.
The last major restoration of the Trevi Fountain was in 2014-2015, funded by the fashion house Fendi. The current plan to charge an entry fee has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it will not address the issue of over tourism and that the city should remain accessible to all.
This cleaning is part of a broader initiative to restore Rome’s fountains and monuments, including the Barcaccia fountain at the foot of the Spanish Steps and a small fountain with turtles in the Jewish ghetto district.