Trevi Fountain Restoration Underway Amid Controversy

The Trevi Fountain in Rome has temporarily closed for cleaning and restoration, with a new metal walkway allowing limited access for visitors, while a makeshift plywood pool has replaced the iconic fountain's water feature. Tourists have expressed mixed reactions, with some finding humor in the situation, while others complain about the 'ugly' and disappointing sight of the pool, which has disrupted the traditional coin-tossing ritual. The city has banned coin tossing into the fountain, imposing a €50 fine, and has redirected donations to a temporary basin instead. With increased tourism expected ahead of the Vatican's Jubilee Year, city officials are implementing crowd control measures, including a booking system and capacity limits at the site. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri emphasized the need to balance conservation with visitor experience, aiming to enhance the enjoyment of the historical site despite the temporary changes. The ongoing cleaning project, costing approximately $330,000, is set to continue until December, with hopes of restoring the fountain's charm for future visitors.