What is Really Happening With the Coins Cast into Rome’s Trevi Fountain?

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous and beautiful attractions in Rome, and also one of the most popular places to make a wish. According to legend, if you throw a coin into the fountain, you will return to Rome someday.

But what happens to the coins after they are tossed into the water? Where do they go and who collects them? In this article, we will explore the fate of the coins thrown into the Trevi Fountain.

The facts

The tradition of throwing coins into the Trevi Fountain dates back to the 1950s when a Hollywood movie called “Three Coins in the Fountain” popularised the idea. The movie tells the story of three American women who work in Rome and throw coins into the fountain, hoping to find love.

The movie was a hit and inspired millions of tourists to follow the same ritual. However, the movie also added some variations to the original legend, such as throwing two coins to find a new romance, and three coins to get married.

The arguments

The coins thrown into the Trevi Fountain do not stay there for long as some believe. Every day, the city council of Rome sends workers to clean and empty the fountain, using brooms and suction hoses.

They are subsequently transported to the Rome branch of the global Catholic charity Caritas. Here, the collected coins are meticulously counted, and the funds are allocated to support various initiatives including food banks, soup kitchens, and welfare projects.

In 2022, Caritas gathered 1.4 million euros ($1.52 million) from the fountain, anticipating an even larger collection for 2023.

The Trevi Fountain is the largest source of income for Caritas, and it makes a significant difference for the people who benefit from its services. The coins also represent a symbol of solidarity and generosity, as they show the connection and care between the visitors and the locals

The coins thrown into the Trevi Fountain are not just a simple gesture, but a meaningful act that has a positive and lasting impact. The coins not only fulfill the wishes of the tourists but also the needs of the people who live in Rome.

The coins also create a link and a bond between the different cultures and backgrounds that meet and mingle in the Eternal City. The coins thrown into the Trevi Fountain are a testament to the beauty and the spirit of Rome.

Despite the meaningful gesture of coin tossing, some critics contend that the tradition is irrational and baseless, questioning its efficacy and necessity in modern society.

Others further point out that the behaviour of tourists tossing coins into the fountain disrupts its historical significance and detracts from its aesthetic value.