Italy Unusual view: Trevi Fountain accessible via footbridge
Get a close-up view of the Trevi Fountain with its magnificent palace façade and rocky landscape of sea creatures - a newly constructed footbridge over what is probably the most famous fountain in the world makes this possible. Due to restoration work, the "Fontana di Trevi" in the Italian capital is currently pumped empty and the lower section of the water basin is closed off with transparent walls.
09.11.2024, 14:31
SDA
Visitors to Rome are likely to be disappointed by the sight at first. Not only will they no longer be able to take the obligatory selfie at the edge of the pool with the blue water in the background, but they will also no longer be able to do the traditional coin toss. Rome's city council has come up with a temporary solution: first, a small pool was built into which visitors can throw their coins. Now the new footbridge offers an unprecedented view.
Access only possible in small groups
The horseshoe-shaped walkway over the almost 50-metre-wide fountain basin leads visitors past the marble and travertine façade with its sculptures of mythical sea creatures. Access to the walkway is only possible in small groups. Mocked by the Romans as a "catwalk", the walkway is also used to count the immense crowds of visitors.
For some time now, the square in front of the Trevi Fountain has been completely overcrowded throughout the day and much of the night. According to the city council, the results of the count will help to develop measures to solve the overcrowding problem. There is talk of limiting tourist access to the steps of the fountain, which was completed in 1762, as well as an entrance fee of around two euros from 2025.
50 euro fine for throwing coins into an empty fountain basin
The new footbridge is open to visitors on most days from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and admission is free. However, there are clear rules for the traditional coin toss: only the temporary basin is there for this purpose. Anyone who throws coins from the footbridge into the empty fountain basin risks a fine of 50 euros, according to Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri.
