Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain reopened to the public after a three-month renovation project costing €327,000. The fountain, an 18th-century monument and one of the city’s main attractions, was in need of restoration due to its high-traffic location causing deterioration from limestone buildup and other issues. The renovation works focused on removing dirt, iron oxide, and limescale, as well as waterproofing the fountain’s basin. A new access system was introduced to enhance the visitor experience and prevent overcrowding, allowing only 400 people at a time to have a closer view of the monument. Visitors must now pay a €2 entrance fee and have 30 minutes to enjoy the fountain, while maintaining the tradition of throwing coins into the basin, generating funds for the Catholic charity Caritas.
The reopening of the Trevi Fountain coincides with the Vatican’s Jubilee Holy Year, set to occur throughout 2025. The Catholic Church’s period of forgiveness and celebration, the Jubilee typically occurs every 25 to 50 years, with Pope Francis inaugurating the Holy Year by opening the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve. Participating pilgrims visiting the Vatican will receive indulgences, forgiving them for their sins, while observing Catholics will engage in Masses and sacraments at various sacred sites in Rome. The Vatican expects approximately 38 million pilgrims to visit Rome during the Jubilee, seeking forgiveness through acts of charity, mercy, penance, and abstention.
The restoration of the Trevi Fountain aimed to provide visitors with a closer view of the monument, allowing them to appreciate its late-Baroque and proto-neoclassical design. The new access system and visitor regulations were put in place to regulate the flow of visitors and prevent overcrowding, ensuring a more meaningful experience for those visiting the fountain. The introduction of an entrance fee and time limit for visitors is intended to maintain the tradition of throwing coins into the basin while generating funds for charitable causes.
The reopening of the Trevi Fountain and the upcoming Jubilee Holy Year demonstrate Rome’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and religious significance. Renovations to the fountain and the implementation of new visitor regulations aim to enhance the overall visitor experience while ensuring the monument’s preservation for future generations. The Vatican’s Jubilee represents a time of reflection, forgiveness, and celebration, inviting pilgrims from around the world to participate in acts of faith and charity during their visit to Rome.
As Pope Francis inaugurates the Holy Year in Rome, pilgrims and observers alike will have the opportunity to engage in religious ceremonies, receive indulgences, and experience the cultural richness of the city. The tradition of the Jubilee dates back centuries, offering participants the chance to seek forgiveness and renewal through acts of repentance and charity. The influx of visitors expected during the Jubilee will bring economic benefits to the city while also highlighting the importance of faith and spiritual renewal in society. The reopening of the Trevi Fountain symbolizes Rome’s commitment to preserving its historical landmarks and cultural treasures for generations to come.
