ROME — As tourists flock back to the iconic Eternal City, they are encountering a unique challenge at the Trevi Fountain. Visitors are currently required to toss their coins over a plastic barrier into a temporary pool while the beloved fountain undergoes maintenance work.

The makeshift coin box, simple in design and made of plywood, has drawn a variety of responses from passersby. Marianna Strekstadt, a traveler from the Netherlands, praised the arrangement, describing it as a “sweet gesture” that still allows visitors to partake in the tradition. However, as a cashless traveler, she opted not to participate.

In contrast, Daniela Carbone expressed her discontent with the look of the substitute pool, labeling it as “ugly.” Regardless of her feelings, she encouraged her children to toss in some coins, stating, “We have to please the children.”

According to local tradition, throwing a coin into the ornate Baroque fountain guarantees a return visit to Rome, a practice that generates around 1.5 million euros (approximately $1.6 million) annually. These funds have been donated to the Catholic charity Caritas for the last 15 years.

In response to the surge in visitors, Rome’s city officials are implementing new measures to manage the crowd at the fountain. Plans are underway to restrict access to the area, requiring tourists to make online reservations and pay an entrance fee of 2 euros (about $2.20). Once inside, attendees will be allocated a 30-minute window to appreciate the fountain’s beauty.