How Often Is the Trevi Fountain Cleaned?
The Trevi Fountain is the grand centrepiece of Rome’s Baroque architecture, with its backdrop of the colonial Palazzo Poli, where the renowned classic film ‘La Dolce Vita’ was shot with Hollywood superstar Marcello Mastroianni. The fountain is one of the most iconic structures in Rome and has its own timeless everlasting beauty. Its wealth of detail and intricate carvings has led to its admiration as one of the most beautiful fountains in the world.
But how often is it cleaned? According to experts, the fountain is cleaned every three days. This is done by the Voluntary Corps of Tourist Guides of Rome, which volunteers to clean the fountain for free. The Guide’s President, Alessandra Quaranta states that the cleaning process is part of a traditional Italian ritual as it dates back to the mid-1960s when the Romans truly began to care for the fountain as a cultural heritage. It involves the use of both man and machine, as the bottom of the fountain is obliged to be lifted from the water in order for it to be washed properly.
In light of this, it can be seen that the Trevi Fountain is regularly looked-after and well-maintained. As well as being cleaned every three days, the fountain is subject to a more thorough cleaning bi-annually. The cleaning event is employed by a team of 16 fully-qualified cleaners and painters who since 2009 have ensured that the Trevi Fountain looks as if new. The bi-annual cleaning focus on the waxing of the bronzes, repainting marble and mosaics, etc., as well as removing any other built- up dirt. This is done in an effort to sustain the splendid look of the fountain for tourists, making it even more attractive.
The Trevi Fountain is a symbol of the city, embedded within its common landscape, often seen as an imprint of the past symbolising the ongoing fight against the ravages of time. Servicing and baths are essential, centring around the fountain is a great deal of wealth, which is why its maintenance is essential. From this viewpoint, it is plain to see that the frequent cleaning process is also to protect the fountain for the many years to come.
Here lies a signifying message of how important the Trevi fountain is to the visitors and inhabitants of the Eternal City. Everyone has a fascination with the fountain of their own, with many claiming that it lures them in. Its sparkling clarity making it a vision of purity, the magical sight of what remains is the classic vision of Rome.
Having said this, it is effective to address the real measure of how to sustain the grandeur of such a masterpiece; the upkeeps of caring for it has been happily taken on by the volunteers. Even with such care, the fountain is exposed to a continuous challenge of scum and waste which it is more than occasionally exposed to – owing to the frequent visits of tourists who have a ritual of tossing coins into the fountain.
Health Regulations of the Trevi Fountain
All gold coins collected from the fountain are given to the homeless in Rome, however, due to the advent of global tourism, the waters of the fountain can possess a range of bacteria such as E.coli, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Enterococci, thus surpassing the health standards that have been set. Subsequently, this can cause immense health risks for the visitors – especially for those who throw coins into the fountain and often reach their hands into the waters to make wishes.
In light of this, the City Counsil of Rome and the Mayor of Rome – Ignazio Marino – had declared an ‘ethical-ecological’ zone for maintenance purposes. Tourists were advised to avoid the area when the fountain was being cleared and a substantial rescue-cleaning operation was employed. Part of the fountain was deflowered and the coins were collected from the bottom.
During this period – from 2016 to 2018 – the fountain was drained and police officers ensured that visitors did not enter the cleaning area. It was during this time that the fountain underwent significant restorations and modifications, in particular, the hydraulic system, the pavement and the structure which required more attention and care than usual.
The Cleaning Design of the Fountain
It is with attention to detail that the cleaners and painters have not altered the design of the fountain during the upkeep cleanliness process. In its step-by-step process of cleaning, they check all the carvings and detail, making sure that every tiny piece is seen to. Also, during this process, the bottom of the fountain needs to be removed, which is quite a laborious task.
As well as individuals, the team of trained professionals are dedicated to carefully restoring the antique quality of the fountain and ensuring that it is returned to the pre-cleaning shape. Furthermore, the light system is also restored – with an exceptional design the lighting shows off the sparkling features of the fountain in the evening.
In order to maintain the original life span of such an historic structure, bi-annual cleaning sessions ensure that the everyday dirt that accumulates has been removed as much as possible in addition to the occasional cleaning every three days.
Modern Technology and the Trevi Fountain
In recent years, modern technology has been brought into the preservation of the Trevi Fountain. In addition to the traditional cleaning methods, in 2016 the fountain underwent a period of advanced cleaning services by FIAT, the Italian car company. This involved the use of innovative water-powered jets which could remove various deposits, fungus and other forms of dirt. The Ferrari of pumps, as they call it, also helped to achieve an upkeep in the fountain that is unparalleled to anything else seen before.
Furthermore, the 3D scanners and specialised tracking software were used to measure the fountain, documenting a comprehensive heart-to-heart overview of the fountain’s exact features. This was used to support a set of conservation objectives that were implemented in the cleaning process.
Conclusion
It is clear to see that the Trevi fountain is held with the utmost respect, adorning a place of timeless beauty, elegance and grace. The routine cleaning process assures that it is kept in a good condition, keeping its old-world charm and entrancing visitors with its sheer beauty. Whether it is the bi-annual cleaning or the every three days upkeep, it nevertheless adds to the allure of the fountain, making it a sight to behold in Rome.
Safety Measures Taken To Protect the Visitors
With the frequency of cleaning, it should be noted that safety is also an important aspect when it comes to protecting the visitors of Rome. For instance, the health standards set by the City Council have been a point of discussion for some time now, with debate about bacteria present in the fountain a cause for health concerns.
Hence, in 2016 the fountain underwent a period of cleaning operations by both the city and FIAT, which re-established the water-level to raise and maintained the health standard of the fountain. By draining the fountain and establishing an ‘ethical-ecological’ zone and official police checkpoint, the health regulations of the fountain and the safety of the visitors were taken into consideration.
The Cultural Significance of The Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is more than just a reflection of its historical monuments, but a marker of the city’s charm and romance. The enthusiasm by which it is glorified has often been likened to the eternal union between life, history, and hopes of a better future. Furthermore, the cleaning of the fountain upholds its cultural marvel, representing a sense of traditional care which Rome has for its monuments – symbolising its ongoing relevance to the city.
The volunteers at work all share this sense of loyalty and pride, signifying how the upkeep of the fountain can be seen as an effective means of showcasing a historical connection between the Roman people, and the protection of their fountains. It conveys, ultimately, the importance of safeguarding a building of the monuments, an attitude which has led to its significant continuity.
The Allure of the Trevi Fountain
In more recent years, the Fountain has also been known for its alluring charm with tourists flocking to it, where they make their wishes and throw coins into the fountain – a ritual which ensures their return to the magical city of Rome. This miniature tradition of the fond familiar soaks the heart with a sense of romance and beauty the Trevi fountain – the flow of its dreamy waters, the glimmering of the sunlight on the bronze, and the mossy atmosphere of its grottoes.
From this, it is fair to say that the Trevi Fountain is an iconic symbol of Rome and a testament to its timelessness. And with the professional and non-professional teams devoted to keeping it clean and tidy, the Trevi Fountain is kept in an immaculate condition, ensuring that the splendor of its water-filled beauty is kept alive and remains forever.
