Background
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most iconic and beloved landmarks in Rome. Built in the 18th century, it is the largest Baroque fountain in the city. Constructed to make a statement, the fountain is embedded with sculptures, decorative carvings, and vibrant colors. It has long been a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike and has been featured in several films.
The fountain is also a major water source, providing much of Rome’s drinking water via the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, which traverses across the city before ending at the historic Trevi Fountain. It is estimated that the fountain receives around $4,000 in coins every day, most of which is donated to Roman charities.
How the Trevi Fountain is Cleaned
Given the high public profile of the Trevi Fountain, it is essential that it remains in pristine condition—this involves a regular cleaning cycle. The cleaning process at the Trevi Fountain includes a thorough scrubbing and polishing of the marble fountain and its sculptures, as well as a deep cleaning of the basins. The cleaning takes place in stages, usually over a period of one to two weeks.
Once a week, the entire fountain is drained and the workmen carefully brush and scrub it clean. Then, the water is reintroduced and the fountain begins to fill. It is filled slowly so that any dirt or debris that may have been missed is flushed out.
When is the Trevi Fountain Cleaned?
The Trevi Fountain is usually cleaned twice a year—in the spring and fall—although it is dependent upon both weather and budget constraints. During the cleaning process, the water is drained and the fountain is turned off to allow the workers to work freely and without disruption.
The last major spring cleaning took place in 2018, with some minor repairs and touch-ups being done in 2019. The Trevi Fountain reopened on June 2nd, 2019 and has been in use every day since then.
The fountain is often illuminated with LED lights after dark, so as to attract visitors to this landmark. Additionally, the Trevi Fountain is also equipped with a system to prevent algae growth. This system circulates the water and filters it to ensure that the Trevi Fountain remains a healthy, welcoming environment for its visitors.
What is a Yearly Cleaning Like?
When the fountain is cleaned on a yearly basis, the process takes longer. The first order of business is to clear off the surface of the fountain and all of its sculptures. This can be done either by hand or by the use of high-pressure jets of water. Then, the workers scrub down the surfaces with a non-abrasive cleanser and then rinse them off.
Once the surface area has been cleaned and polished, the workers use special brushes to scrub down the nooks and crannies, paying particular attention to the various sculptures and carvings, as well as the basins. The water is then recycled and the fountain is refilled, often taking several days to complete.
Other Maintenance Required
In addition to the yearly cleaning of the Trevi Fountain, it must also undergo regular maintenance to keep it functioning optimally. This involves checking the water levels, the pumps and any pipes or other features of the fountain. The workers also inspect and repair any areas that need attention.
The fountain is also subject to vandalism and graffiti. To combat this, security cameras are installed in the area, and the Roman police patrol the area to ensure safety. Workers often check the cameras and clean off any graffiti that has been applied to the fountain.
The Preservation of the Trevi Fountain
The preservation of the Trevi Fountain is of utmost importance to the City of Rome. As such, the fountain is inspected regularly to ensure that it is in proper working condition. The Trevi Fountain is viewed as a piece of artwork and a part of the city’s rich cultural heritage and its upkeep is taken very seriously.
The city has taken measures to ensure that the Trevi Fountain remains in its pristine state. Restorations, upgrades, and repairs are undertaken on a regular basis. Additionally, there are constantly evolving systems in place to protect the fountain and maintain its beauty.
Environmental Effects
The Trevi Fountain is an iconic and beloved landmark, but its environmental effects are also an important consideration. The fountain is a major source of water, but it can also have a devastating impact on the surrounding environment.
The fountain uses a large amount of water, which can lead to an increased risk of flooding in the area. Additionally, the excess water from the fountain can create algae blooms in the city’s nearby canals, polluting the water and upsetting the delicate ecological balance.
The city is taking steps to mitigate the environmental impact of the fountain by using eco-friendly methods to clean and maintain it. The fountain is also subject to strict regulations in order to ensure that it does not harm the local environment.
Wastewater Treatment
The Trevi Fountain is an important cultural landmark, but it also produces a considerable amount of wastewater. The city has taken precautions to ensure that the wastewater is treated properly and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
The wastewater is treated through a state-of-the-art filtration system, which removes contaminants and pollutants. The filtered wastewater is then discharged back into the city’s waterways in a safe and responsible manner.
Public Health Concerns
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most beloved landmarks in Rome and its cleanliness is essential to the health of the city’s citizens. The city takes precautions to ensure that the fountain is kept clean and free of bacteria and other contaminants that could prove harmful to public health.
Water from the fountain is regularly tested for bacteria, chlorine, and other contaminants. Additionally, the fountain is monitored for algae growth and treated as necessary to prevent algae blooms that can be hazardous to public health.
Economic Impact
The Trevi Fountain is not only a cultural icon, it is also an important source of revenue for the city. The coins that are thrown into the fountain are collected and donated to local charities, helping to provide much-needed assistance for those in need.
The fountain is also a major tourist destination and generates a considerable amount of revenue each year. This helps to generate jobs and provide an economic boost to the local economy, both directly and indirectly.
Conclusion
The Trevi Fountain is an iconic and beloved landmark in Rome, but it requires ongoing maintenance and upkeep in order to remain in good working condition. Through regular cleaning and maintenance, the city is able to keep this iconic landmark in pristine condition while also protecting the local environment and providing economic benefits.
