How Much Money is in the Trevi Fountain?
The Trevi Fountain is a celebrated landmark in Rome, Italy. Constructed in the 18th century, it is one of the oldest monuments in the city and a popular tourist attraction. Millions of tourists come to view the fountain each year, and many also drop coins into its waters as tokens of their visit. As a result, the Trevi Fountain has become home to a significant fortune. In this article, we’ll explore the amount of money that has been collected in the Trevi Fountain, where it goes and what it is used for.
History and Evolution of the Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain was designed and built between 1732 and 1762 by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Nicola Salvi on commission from Pope Clement XII. It is the largest Baroque Fountain in Rome, and some even refer to it as the ‘Fontana di Trevi’, or ‘Fountain of Trevi’. This name is derived from the intersection of three roads near the fountain, which was also a name given to a section of Rome by the ancient Romans. The fountain features many sculptures, the most prominent of which is an image of Oceanus, the Roman god of the sea, which acts as the centerpiece of the fountain.
Amount of Money Collected
Every day, approximately 3,000 euros are dropped into the Trevi Fountain by visitors. This totals to an estimated annual collection of 1,000,000 euros. However, estimates range from 800,000 to more than 3,300,000 euros, depending on the season. In 2016, a reported 1.5 million euros were supposedly thrown into the fountain by tourists. In addition to this, Rome City Hall also donates 1,000 euros per month to the fountain.
Where the Money Goes
The money collected in the Trevi Fountain is usually given to Caritas, an Italian charity that provides aid to the homeless. It has also been donated to causes related to the maintenance of the Trevi Fountain itself. In 1997, money collected was donated to the Langan Foundation, an organization founded to maintain and preserve the city of Rome. Caritas uses the fountain’s proceeds to fund the distribution of meals, clothes and aid to the homeless throughout Rome.
Challenges
Coin theft is a major challenge for the authorities in charge of the Trevi Fountain. Authorities have been quoted as saying that the theft of coins from the fountain reached ‘alarming’ levels in 2011, and that over 400 people had been arrested for such thefts. Other challenges include the ever-growing number of tourists, vandalism and littering around the fountain. The authorities have taken steps to address these issues, including the construction of a guardrail to prevent coin theft and the installation of several CCTV cameras to monitor activities around the fountain.
Legal Status of Collected Money
The coins collected in the Trevi Fountain are considered the property of the Vatican. This is due to a law that states that all money found in the waters of Rome belongs to the Catholic Church. This law dates back to 1455, when Pope Callistus III declared that all coins thrown into the Trevi Fountain would be used to finance the restoration of Saint Peter’s Basilica. To this day, all money collected is given to the authorities by the officials responsible for the Trevi Fountain.
Cultural Relevance
In addition to its historical and legal status, the Trevi Fountain is an iconic symbol of Rome. It has been featured in literature, films and artwork throughout the centuries, and its legends are rooted in many popular tales and superstitions. For example, it is said that throwing a coin into the fountain will lead to a return to the city one day, while throwing two coins will promise good luck in love. These superstitions have become deeply embedded in the city’s culture and make the Trevi Fountain even more of an iconic symbol of Rome.
Controversy
Recently, the collection of money from the Trevi Fountain has become controversial. The coins are an important source of income for Rome City Hall, but some argue that such collections should be illegal and that the money should instead be donated to charitable causes. In response, the city has announced plans to set up an online platform where people can donate to the Trevi Fountain, easing the collection of funds and ensuring that the money goes to a good cause.
Conservation Efforts
Conservation efforts have been ongoing for the Trevi Fountain since its restoration in 2015. The refurbishment included the installation of a new irrigation system and a state-of-the-art lighting system. Additionally, the City of Rome has invested in a water conservation project that focuses on the use of local water sources instead of the existing aqueduct system. This initiative is aimed at reducing the water wastage caused by the fountain, thus helping to conserve the environment.
Impact on the City’s Economy
The Trevi Fountain is not just a symbol of Rome, but also a major source of income for the city. According to financial estimates, the annual collection of coins from the fountain has a significant economic impact on the city’s budget. The money is used to fund public works such as infrastructure projects and the restoration of important monuments. In addition, the money is also used to boost the city’s tourism industry, helping to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Restoration Projects
Restoration projects for the Trevi Fountain are ongoing. In recent years, restoration works have addressed issues such as graffiti removal, water conservation, and the installation of water-saving devices. Additionally, the fountain has been equipped with a modern lighting system and an underground irrigation system that makes use of recycled rainwater. These efforts have been part of a larger restoration project aimed at restoring the Trevi Fountain to its original state, ensuring that it remains a source of pride for Rome for many years to come.
Final Assessment
The Trevi Fountain is a revered and beloved landmark in Rome. It has been an iconic symbol of the city for centuries, and its legend and historical relevance are cherished by Romans and tourists alike. Beyond this, the fountain has also become an important source of income for the city, with its proceeds used to fund important causes such as infrastructure and conservation projects. As such, the collection of money in the Trevi Fountain is an essential part of the city’s economy and culture, and a testament to its long-standing traditions.
Environment Awareness
The authorities responsible for the Trevi Fountain have been actively promoting environment awareness amongst citizens and tourists alike. These efforts have included upgrading the irrigation systems and installing water-saving devices, which have allowed for more efficient use of water. Additionally, the city authorities have launched an education campaign dedicated to raising awareness on the importance of preserving the environment. Through these efforts, it is hoped that the Trevi Fountain will continue to remain a celebrated symbol of Rome for many generations to come.
Legacy
The Trevi Fountain holds special significance for the people of Rome and visitors from around the world. Its iconic status, its wealth of myth and legend, and its contributions to the city’s economy and culture have made it a landmark that will always be remembered. Even as other monuments fade with time, the Trevi Fountain will remain an integral part of Rome’s heritage and a lasting symbol of its people and its past.
Modernisation
The Trevi Fountain has recently undergone modernisation efforts to keep up with changing times. In 2015, the City Hall announced a partnership with the Italian gas retailer Eni, which will see the introduction of Wi-Fi access at the fountain as well as other nearby locations. Additionally, the City Hall is also currently in negotiations with several banks in order to install cash machines near the fountain. These efforts are aimed at making the Trevi Fountain more accessible for tourists and locals alike.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Trevi Fountain is much more than a tourist attraction – it is an integral part of Rome’s heritage and culture. Over the centuries, it has collected a significant amount of money, which has been used to fund projects related to the maintenance of the fountain as well as to help the less fortunate. The money collected is seen as a testament to the fountain’s ongoing popularity and its importance to the city of Rome. Thanks to its modernisation efforts, it is certain to remain a beloved landmark for many years to come.