The coins splash, wishes whisper, and dreams take flight. In the heart of Rome, over €1.5 million in coins are tossed into the Trevi Fountain annually – each one carrying hopes of return to the Eternal City. This isn’t just any fountain; it’s a masterpiece where history, art, and superstition converge in spectacular fashion.
A masterpiece reborn: The 2024 restoration
The Trevi Fountain recently emerged from an extensive three-month restoration in late 2024, costing €327,000. This meticulous cleaning prepared the monument for the Vatican’s Jubilee Year 2025, which expects to draw 35 million visitors to Rome. During the work, the fountain was temporarily drained, with coins collected in a special tub to preserve the beloved tradition.
The result? The travertine gleams with renewed brilliance, the statues crisp with detail, and the azure waters more inviting than ever.
New rules transform the visitor experience
Gone are the days of pushing through overwhelming crowds. In a bold move to protect this Baroque treasure, Rome has implemented a 400-person capacity limit, with opening hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Mondays and Fridays see later openings to accommodate maintenance and the collection of those thousands of wishes.
“We had to act to preserve both the experience and the monument itself,” explains Marco Rossi, a local conservation officer. “The fountain belongs to everyone, but loving something means protecting it.”
The three-coin legend most tourists get wrong
While most visitors know to toss a coin over their shoulder to ensure a return to Rome, few understand the complete tradition. “One coin guarantees your return to Rome, two coins promise new romance, and three coins predict marriage,” explains Lucia Bianchi, a lifelong Roman and tour guide. “But remember – right hand over left shoulder only!”
This ritual collects around €4,000 daily, with proceeds supporting Rome’s food banks and social programs for the city’s vulnerable residents – a charitable tradition other Italian cities have attempted to replicate.
Beyond the fountain: Hidden gems within walking distance
While the crowds focus on the fountain, savvy travelers explore the surrounding treasures. Just steps away lies the often-overlooked section of the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct on Via del Nazareno – the very water source that has fed the fountain since 19 BC.
For a truly magical experience, similar to stepping back in time in medieval villages, visit at dawn when the first light catches the cascading water and the piazza stands nearly empty.
The perfect photo isn’t where you think
Forget front-and-center shots where selfie sticks battle for space. “The most stunning view comes from Via della Stamperia, where the fountain suddenly appears between buildings,” shares Paolo Conti, a Roman photographer. “The contrast between narrow streets and the fountain’s grandeur creates a true ‘wow’ moment.”
For evening photography, the fountain’s illumination creates a dramatic atmosphere that rivals even the most picturesque coastal settings of Europe.
When to visit: Timing is everything
With the new visitor limitations, timing your visit becomes crucial. Arrive before 10 a.m. to enjoy relatively thin crowds, or come after 8 p.m. when the evening lights transform the experience. Avoid midday when tour groups dominate, and remember the delayed openings on Mondays and Fridays.
Consider planning your Roman adventure to include stops at lesser-known destinations that offer equally rich cultural experiences without the crowds.
The water’s journey: An engineering marvel
The crystal-clear water flowing through the Trevi travels along the same path engineered by Romans over 2,000 years ago. The Aqua Virgo aqueduct, commissioned by Marcus Agrippa in 19 BC, still functions today – a testament to Roman engineering prowess that rivals even the most impressive natural wonders found across the globe.
As you stand before this cascading masterpiece, remember you’re witnessing not just art, but a living piece of ancient Roman infrastructure still serving its purpose two millennia later.
Water splashes, coins glitter, and the Oceanus statue gazes impassively across centuries of wishes. The Trevi Fountain isn’t merely a stop on a Roman itinerary – it’s where history flows continuously into the present, inviting you to become part of its eternal story with the simple toss of a coin.