The Trevi Fountain is one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome, Italy. Every day, thousands of tourists flock to its surroundings to take pictures, throw in coins and make wishes. But many don’t know what happens to the money collected from the fountain. To get an answer to this question, we have to dive into the history of the Trevi Fountain and look into the recently revealed national treasure.
Commissioned by Pope Clement XII in 1732, the Trevi Fountain quickly became a symbol of the city. Completed in 1762 by Italian artist Nicola Salvi, the majestic fountain stands 86 feet tall and measures 180 feet wide. With its Baroque style of architecture, it is one of the most visited sites in the world. It is just as remarkable for what lies beneath its waters.
Every day, the Trevi Fountain money is collected and takes on a life of its own. Roman legend has it that, in 1629, Pope Urban VIII decided to divert the coins thrown into the fountain for charity. In the present day, the donations are still collected and donated to Caritas, an Italian association for the welfare of the poor.
A recent discovery revealed that coins and other artifacts found at the Trevi Fountain were long believed to be lost and would easily exceed a million euros. This discovery sparked a debate over who really owns the Trevi Fountain money and what laws should govern its disposal. Since the Trevi Fountain is a national monument, the Italian government is legally entitled to part of the collections.
Experts are divided in their opinions. While some believe the money belongs to the city of Rome and should be used to promote local charities, others argue that it should go to Italian institutions, such as the Italian Military. Regardless of which side of the debate you’re on, one thing all experts agree on is that the millions of euros collected annually should be put to good use.
Countless coins and other artifacts found at the Trevi Fountain tell the story of how people from all walks of life have visited in the past. However, these items are much more than just historic objects; they are also legacy for the future. By understanding where the money collected from the Trevi Fountain goes, we can ensure that the legacy lives on.
The Purpose of Caritas
Caritas is a non-profit organization whose main purpose is to promote the welfare of the poor. It is one of the main beneficiaries of the Trevi Fountain money, with 40 percent of the collections going towards its programs and initiatives. Caritas works directly with individuals and families living in poverty, providing assistance in the form of food, clothing and shelter. It also provides a range of educational, vocational and recreational programs that help people improve their quality of life.
Caritas operates more than 1,400 centers and services worldwide, including in Italy. Since the 1980s, Caritas has been receiving annual donations from the Trevi Fountain. The money has helped fund programs that reach thousands of families in need and give them a better life.
The organization runs several campaigns throughout the year to raise awareness about poverty and the importance of giving. It also partners with local authorities and other non-profits to create new initiatives that address the issues of poverty and injustice.
Overall, Caritas’ mission is to bring about positive change in society and to reduce poverty. Through its work, it is making a difference in the lives of millions of people around the world.
Management of the Money
The Trevi Fountain money is gathered by a specialized not-for-profit charity organization called the Federation of Trevi Fountain, which is responsible for collecting, counting and distributing the money to the designated charities. The Federation works with the Italian government, local authorities, and the National Administration of Tourism, to ensure that the collections are handled properly and ethically.
The Federation employs a team of experts to sort and count the money, which is then separated into categories based on how long it has been in the fountain. The newly-arrived money is estimated to be worth around 1 million Euros and is kept in secure lockers for safekeeping. The coins that remain in the fountain for more than a year are given to Italian associations and non-profits.
The Federation’s main fundraiser is a yearly lottery held in the beginning of December called the “Trevi Fountain Draw.” The lottery is widely popular and the proceeds raised through it are put towards the welfare of the poor. These funds are allocated to charities that benefit individuals and families living in poverty.
The Federation also maintains the Fountain, which includes cleaning and restoring the various statues, sculptures, and works of art that adorn its structure. The organization works with local and international institutions to ensure that the Trevi Fountain remains an important part of the city’s culture.
Conclusion of Legality
Currently, there is an ongoing legal battle between the Federation of Trevi Fountain and the Italian government over who owns the money thrown into the fountain and what laws should govern its disposal. On one hand, the Italian government argues that it has the right to part of the collections, since the fountain is a national monument. On the other, the Federation of Trevi Fountain argues that the money belongs to the city of Rome, and should be used to benefit the local community.
Nevertheless, the Italian Supreme Court has ruled that the money should be donated to charities and non-profit organizations, such as Caritas. According to the court, the money is a public asset and should be used to encourage the welfare of the poor. In response, the Federation of Trevi Fountain has set up an annual lottery to fund its projects.
Impact on Roman Tourism
The Trevi Fountain has long been a popular tourist destination in Rome. Every year, millions of visitors from all over the world come to see the landmark and make a wish. Besides taking beautiful photos in front of it, they often throw coins into the fountain in the hopes of good luck. The Trevi Fountain money thus serves as a lasting reminder of the significance of the Fountain to local and global tourism.
The money collected from the Trevi Fountain also provides a source of revenue for the city. Tourist-based businesses, such as restaurants and hotels, benefit greatly from the tourists who flock to the area. The money provides a source of income to the local economy and helps to create more jobs.
Furthermore, the Trevi Fountain money serves as a valuable cultural asset. It contributes to the city’s historic legacy and preserves the beauty and grandeur of the landmark. This legacy continues to attract tourists to the city, thus making a significant contribution to its economy.
Finally, the Trevi Fountain money is a symbol of hope and faith. It represents the generosity and kindness of people from all over the world, and serves as a reminder that even small contributions can make a big difference.
Conclusion of Community Impact
The Trevi Fountain is an iconic landmark in Rome and is cherished by locals and visitors alike. The money collected from the fountain is a testament to its lasting legacy, providing funds to charities and non-profits that work to improve the quality of life of those in need. At the same time, the Trevi Fountain money also serves as a source of income for the city and helps to create more jobs.
Furthermore, the Trevi Fountain money is an important link to the city’s history and culture. It serves as a reminder of a time when people from all walks of life could come together and make a wish. Finally, the money reminds us that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
