What happens to the coins thrown into the Trevi fountain?
Fontana di Trevi, Rome's iconic landmark
The Trevi Fountain is Rome’s largest Baroque fountain. Finished in 1762, its origins go back to 19 B.C. when it marked the end of an ancient Roman aqueduct. Fun fact: "Trevi" stands for “tre vie” ("three roads") because it is located at the intersection of …you got it, three streets. Designed by the architect Nicola Salvi, this stunning fountain shows Oceanus, the Titan god of water, in a shell chariot pulled by sea horses and flanked by tritons. Definitely a must-see for anyone visiting Rome!
Why is the Trevi so popular?
“Marcello, come here!” Who hasn’t seen this iconic scene from the golden age of Italian cinema? The famous lines are from actress Anita Ekberg in Federico Fellini’s cult movie La Dolce Vita. It’s night, she’s wearing a gorgeous black dress, and she’s carelessly walking into the Trevi Fountain, calling Mastroianni to join her. A romantic and dreamlike moment, but remember that’s something you can do only in movies! If you’re in Rome, don’t even think about doing it yourself! Jumping in will definitely get you in trouble, so resist the urge to imitate Anita and Marcello, and keep those feet on dry land!
Why do people throw coins into the Trevi fountain?
Throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain is a tradition that dates back centuries: as an ancient ritual, Romans would toss coins to water gods seeking blessings and protection. Today, we owe the modern legend to the 1954 movie “Three Coins in the Fountain”:
- Toss one coin, and you’ll return to Rome
- Toss two coins, and you'll find love
- Toss three coins, and you’ll get married!
And remember: the magic only happens if you throw it with your right hand over your left shoulder, without watching!
How much money is thrown into the Trevi fountain each year?
Every year, millions of tourists throw coins in the Trevi Fountain for luck, love or just for a memorable photo opportunity. Around €3,000 in coins are tossed into the fountain every day: that’s over €1 million a year! Though one might throw only a single coin, the huge number of people visiting the fountain makes it easy to collect such an amount of money.
Where does all the money in the Trevi fountain go?
You may think the money just sits there, but it is actually put to good use. Twice a week, workers collect the coins and donate them to a local charity, Caritas Roma. The coins help provide funding for a number of social projects carried out in Rome, such as a food bank, a soup kitchen, and other welfare services for people in need.
The coins are delicately collected, all while the fountain keeps flowing. Then they are cleaned and sorted. But it’s amazing what people end up tossing in! Alongside the coins, you'll often find jewelry, religious items, and - believe it or not - even dentures (no joke)!
Tips for visiting the Trevi fountain in Rome
Planning a visit? Here are some tips to help you get the most of it:
- Best time to go: either early in the morning or late at night, to avoid the crowds of tourists
- How to throw your coin: stand with your back to the fountain, toss the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder, and don’t peek!
- Respect the fountain: we know that its crystal-clear water is tempting, but don’t try entering in the fountain, you won’t like the fines!
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous attractions in Rome. It is more than just a beautiful selfie spot, though. It’s a symbol of hope, love, and giving. To learn more about its fascinating history and legends, join one of our “History & Mystery” walking tours of Rome that includes a stop at this beloved cultural gem, renowned worldwide.