The Trevi Fountain, a beloved symbol of Rome, has captivated visitors worldwide with its enchanting tradition: tossing a coin over one shoulder to ensure a return to the Eternal City. This ritual gained fame from the 1954 film "Three Coins in the Fountain," complemented by Frank Sinatra's award-winning song.
Even a recent three-month renovation, which obstructed direct access to this 18th-century masterpiece, couldn’t deter tourists who flocked to toss their coins. Instead of landing in the fountain, the coins—worth approximately 61,000 euros or about $63,000—found their way into a temporary collection tub.
Fabrizio Marchioni, who has been entrusted by Caritas, a Roman Catholic charity, for the past 13 years, painstakingly collects and counts every coin. As he notes, "Tourists are determined to make their wish, no matter what!" It's evident that this timeless tradition continues to bring both hope and tangible support to those in need.
Even a recent three-month renovation, which obstructed direct access to this 18th-century masterpiece, couldn’t deter tourists who flocked to toss their coins. Instead of landing in the fountain, the coins—worth approximately 61,000 euros or about $63,000—found their way into a temporary collection tub.
Fabrizio Marchioni, who has been entrusted by Caritas, a Roman Catholic charity, for the past 13 years, painstakingly collects and counts every coin. As he notes, "Tourists are determined to make their wish, no matter what!" It's evident that this timeless tradition continues to bring both hope and tangible support to those in need.
