Article text:
The Trevi Fountain in Rome remains a must-see for first-time visitors, who often partake in the time-honored tradition of tossing coins to ensure their return to the Eternal City. Standing backs to the fountain, the ritual involves flinging a coin over the left shoulder with the right hand, a practice that gained international fame from the 1954 film "Three Coins in the Fountain," which featured an Oscar-winning song by Frank Sinatra.
Remarkably, the recent three-month restoration that blocked direct access to this 18th-century masterpiece did not deter the eager crowds. Visitors continued to gather around protective panels, tossing an estimated €61,000, roughly $63,000, into a utilitarian tub set up for collection amidst the construction.
Fabrizio Marchioni, a key figure in this endeavor, has been associated with the Roman Catholic charity Caritas for over 13 years, where he collects and tallies the fountain's offerings. “Tourists are determined to toss their coins regardless of construction work,” he noted on a chilly December morning just days before the anticipated reopening of the fountain.
This resilient tradition not only highlights the fountain's significance as a cultural landmark but also reflects the enduring allure of Rome itself, keeping the spirit of its legends alive for countless visitors each year.
The Trevi Fountain in Rome remains a must-see for first-time visitors, who often partake in the time-honored tradition of tossing coins to ensure their return to the Eternal City. Standing backs to the fountain, the ritual involves flinging a coin over the left shoulder with the right hand, a practice that gained international fame from the 1954 film "Three Coins in the Fountain," which featured an Oscar-winning song by Frank Sinatra.
Remarkably, the recent three-month restoration that blocked direct access to this 18th-century masterpiece did not deter the eager crowds. Visitors continued to gather around protective panels, tossing an estimated €61,000, roughly $63,000, into a utilitarian tub set up for collection amidst the construction.
Fabrizio Marchioni, a key figure in this endeavor, has been associated with the Roman Catholic charity Caritas for over 13 years, where he collects and tallies the fountain's offerings. “Tourists are determined to toss their coins regardless of construction work,” he noted on a chilly December morning just days before the anticipated reopening of the fountain.
This resilient tradition not only highlights the fountain's significance as a cultural landmark but also reflects the enduring allure of Rome itself, keeping the spirit of its legends alive for countless visitors each year.
