No trip to Rome is complete without taking a coin and throwing it in the famous Trevi Fountain. The tradition of throwing a coin into the fountain has been said to have originated hundreds of years ago and has become a beloved custom. People throw coins into the fountain to make wishes and offer prayers, but how many coins should be thrown in? According to the legend, it is said that if one throws one coin in this fountain, the person will eventually return to Rome. If two coins are thrown, the person will get to experience true love in Rome. If three coins are tossed, then marriage is in the future. But is the legend really true? Let’s find out.
History of Throwing Coins in Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain has been around since the beginning of the 18th century and has since become a popular attraction in Rome. It has also become a site of pilgrimage for visitors, especially after the iconic 1960s Roman Holiday film starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. The film featured the ritual of throwing coins into the fountain and its popularity has only grown in the years since. It has evolved into a tradition with visitors throwing coins in the fountain in order to make a wish or thank the fountain’s gods for granted wishes.
The Number of Coins to Throw in Trevi Fountain
The tradition of throwing coins into the Trevi Fountain has never been documented in writing, so it is difficult to say what the “right” number of coins should be. It is generally believed that tossing one coin into the fountain will guarantee your return to Rome and tossing three coins will guarantee you a marriage. But the exact number of coins is up to you and your budget. Visitors often throw coins as a way of saying thanks for a granted wish, with no specific number in mind.
One thing to keep in mind is that the fountain collects an incredible amount of coins each year, with some estimates reaching €300.000. So if you can afford to throw in more than three coins, the inhabitants of Rome will appreciate your donation.
Coin Collection
The coins that are thrown into the Trevi Fountain are collected once a year by the Italianmint—the Italian Mint—and is used to fund a supermarket for the needy in Rome. This means that any coins you throw into the fountain won’t actually end up in your pocket but instead help those in need. So if you’re looking to make a difference, throwing a few coins into the fountain may be just the thing for you.
What Type of Coins to Throw in the Trevi Fountain
Most visitors to Rome throw coins into the fountain even though they are not made of the same material they used to be. The traditional coins thrown into the fountain were copper coins and many visitors choose to follow tradition and throw copper coins into the fountain. These coins are often one euro or two, while larger coins of five or higher have also been thrown into the fountain, depending on your budget.
But it doesn’t matter whether or not you use coins that are made of copper; as long as they are coins, the legend that says that you will be granted with true love and a future wedding if you throw three of them still applies.
Practical Advice for Throwing Coins in Trevi Fountain
When throwing coins in the Trevi Fountain, try to throw coins in the fountain from the back, if possible, not from the front. In addition, try to aim for the centre and avoid hitting any statues or other objects in the fountain. It is also a good idea to ensure that the coins you throw are coins that are still in circulation, as coins that are no longer in circulation might not be accepted.
Ancient Romans’ Views on Trevi Fountain
Ancient Romans believed that the Trevi Fountain was a sacred place where gods and goddesses gathered. Many Romans believed that these gods and goddesses could grant wishes if they were offered a coin, so they would throw coins into the fountain as offerings. This was an important custom and was believed to bring luck and good fortune to those who offered these coins.
Modern Day Perspective on Trevi Fountain
Today, the Trevi Fountain is mostly viewed as a tourist attraction. But for many visitors, it is also still seen as a place of magic and wonder. It is a place to make wishes and the practice of throwing coins into the fountain, even if you do not believe in the legend, can still be a fun and meaningful experience.
The fountain also has a special feeling about it, making it difficult for visitors to leave without making a wish. So no matter how many coins you choose to throw into the fountain, this special feeling will never change.
Symbolism of Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is more than just a tourist attraction. It is a symbol of love, good luck, and hope for a better future. The ritual of throwing coins into the fountain is deeply rooted in Roman mythology and culture and it is believed that it can bring luck and good fortune to anyone who participates.
It is also said that Trevi Fountain is a reminder of the past, reminding us to take care of our planet, our environment and our relationships. Throwing a few coins into the fountain is a kind gesture that can bring us luck and prosperity in life.
Impact of Throwing Coins in the Trevi Fountain
The tradition of throwing coins in the Trevi Fountain has become a worldwide phenomenon, with tourists from all over the world travelling to Rome to experience it. Throwing coins in the fountain has become such a popular pastime that the money gathered from it is now used to help fund local charities, making the experience even more meaningful and special.
The Trevi Fountain is also a source of inspiration and reflection for many people. It provides an opportunity to wish for what you want and to remember that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. So, when you are making your wish, remember that there are no limitations and no wrong number of coins to throw into the fountain.
Environmental Impact of Trevi Fountain Coins
The Trevi Fountain may be an iconic symbol of Rome, but it comes with an environmental cost. As the number of tourists continues to increase each year, so does the amount of coins that get thrown into the fountain. This can have an impact on the wildlife in the area as well as damage the water’s quality. It is important to keep this in mind when deciding how many coins to toss in the fountain.
One way to reduce the environmental impact of your coins is to use coins that are made with natural materials or recycled materials. This will help to reduce the amount of damage that is done to the fountain and its surroundings.
Tourism in Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Rome and it is not hard to see why. Whether you are making a wish, reflecting, or simply marveling at its beauty, it is a sight that is sure to bring a smile to your face. The Trevi Fountain is more than just a place to make wishes, it is a symbol of love, luck, and hope for the future.
The Trevi Fountain is a must-see for any visitor to Rome, but that doesn’t mean that you should just throw coins without any thought. Think about the coins you are throwing and the wishes that you are making. And no matter how many coins you choose to throw, remember the power and the beauty of the Trevi Fountain.
