Europe’s most famous coin-tossing fountain has been replaced by a tiny ‘ugly’ pool – and tourists are not happy
TOURISTS in Rome have been left disappointed after it’s famous coin-tossing attraction introduced new rules.
Holidaymakers heading to the Italian city often head to the Trevi Fountain to throw in a coin for good luck.
However, the fountain has recently been drained while it undergoes maintenance.
This is ahead of the huge Jubilee event taking place next year, presided over by the Roman Catholic Church.
Instead of being able to throw coins into the fountain, the city added a tiny pool of water on one small section for tourists to use instead.
The small wooden box has a plastic barrier, with many people calling it an “ugly” alternative.
One tourist who has been to Rome six times said: “I’m disappointed to find a pool this time – it’s just not the same.”
Another person said they saw people still throwing coins into the empty fountain.
They wrote: “Tourists were still trying to chuck coins into the empty fountain, regardless of the maintenance people working around the fountain.
“It was gross to see people acting so rude.”
Some joked that it made it “more of a challenge” to get the coins into the water, turning it almost into a game.
As much as €1.5million (£1.2million) is collected from the fountain every year, which is donated to a Catholic charity.
The act of coin tossing – which is over left shoulder with your right hand – is said to mean you will return to Rome.
Throw two coins and you’ll ‘fall in love with a beautiful Italian’ and three coins means you will marry them, according to the superstition.
The tradition of throwing coins into the fountain has been in place since it first opened.
It was then popularised by classic films such as the 1954 Three Coins in the Fountain and 1960 La Dolce Vita.
But the attraction could even charge tourists to visit it soon.
The famous fountain, built in 1732, has always been free for both locals and holidaymakers.
But next year, the city is introducing new rules which will see a charge of €2 per person.
Tourists will have to book ahead to see it, and will only be allowed to see it for 30 minutes.
The rest of the fountain will be blocked off, with access only given to people who have paid.
The new rules will also prevent idiot tourists from jumping into the fountain.
Why is coin tossing seen as lucky?
The tradition of tossing coins into bodies of water back to when people believed they were home to water deities or spirits.
By tossing in a coin, it was seen as an offering to gain their protection or blessing.
Coin throwing is also seen as a sign of wealth, and will invite good fortune.
Last year, two Australian tourists were fined €450 (£380) for trying to get into the fountain.
And in 2022, two Dutch tourists were fined €1000 (£844) .