G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain, a symbol of the city's Baroque elegance and cultural legacy, has officially reopened after three months of renovations. The grand reopening on December 22, 2024, comes just in time for the 2025 Jubilee Holy Year, an event expected to attract millions of pilgrims and tourists from around the globe. The restoration of this world-famous monument highlights Rome's commitment to preserving its historic treasures while preparing for an influx of visitors.
The restoration, costing 327,000 euros ($341,000), focused on ensuring the structural and aesthetic integrity of the 18th-century fountain. The Trevi Fountain, designed by Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini, is renowned for its intricate sculptures and cascading waters. The project not only revitalized the fountain’s visual splendor but also reinforced its significance as a cultural and spiritual landmark.
To prevent overcrowding and enhance visitor experience, city officials have introduced a new access system. Starting immediately, only 400 visitors will be permitted to enter the monument’s vicinity at any given time. Visitors must book their entry online and pay a nominal fee of 2 euros ($2.20). Once inside, they will have a 30-minute window to admire the fountain’s beauty and absorb its historical significance. Claudio Parisi Presicce, Rome’s superintendent for cultural heritage, emphasized that this arrangement ensures visitors can fully appreciate the monument and the values it embodies without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by crowds.
The Trevi Fountain’s reopening marks a significant milestone as Rome prepares for the Jubilee Holy Year, a major event in the Catholic Church. The city anticipates immense crowds, and measures like controlled access to the Trevi Fountain are part of broader efforts to manage the influx while safeguarding the city's historic sites. Rome officials have even discussed cordoning off the area around the fountain to ensure its preservation and the safety of visitors.
Even during the renovation, the spirit of tradition was preserved. Visitors were offered a makeshift pool to toss their coins, continuing the time-honored custom believed to ensure a return trip to Rome. This charming ritual generates approximately 1.5 million euros ($1.6 million) annually, a testament to the fountain’s enduring allure. For the past 15 years, the proceeds from this tradition have been donated to the Catholic charity Caritas, supporting its humanitarian efforts.
The reopening of the Trevi Fountain is a testament to Rome’s dedication to preserving its rich cultural heritage while embracing modern solutions for sustainable tourism. As millions of visitors prepare to flock to the Eternal City for the Jubilee Holy Year, the restored Trevi Fountain stands as a beacon of history, artistry, and timeless allure. Its renewed grandeur ensures that future generations can continue to marvel at its beauty, make their wishes, and be captivated by the magic of one of Rome’s most treasured landmarks.
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