Tourists Throw Over €1 Million Into Italys Trevi Fountain Each Year. Heres What Happens To It

The heartwarming story of what happens to the coins thrown into the Trevi Fountain.

ADVERTISEMENT

If you’ve visited Rome, you’ve probably thrown a coin into the famed Trevi fountain.

Each year, over €1 million ends up in the water of the spectacular 18th century monument.

But where does all this money go?

For over a decade, the windfall - collected by a dedicated team every few months - has been contributing to a very good cause.

Why do people throw coins into the Trevi Fountain?

Built between 1732 and 1762, the Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most iconic sights. It was designed by Nicola Salvi and represents the taming of the waters.

Against a monumental facade of giant Corinthian pilasters, river god Oceanus rides a shell chariot pulled by sea horses.

One of the creatures is docile while the other rears wildly, representing the contrasting characters of the sea.

As per tradition, tourists stand with their backs facing the monument and toss a coin over their left shoulder with their right hand into the water.

The ritual was made famous by the 1954 film 'Three Coins in the Fountain' and is supposed to guarantee the visitor’s return to the Eternal City.

How much money gets thrown into the Trevi Fountain?

Each day, around €3,000 of loose change ends up in the Trevi Fountain.

That works out as up to €1.5 million tossed into its waters each year.

What happens to the money thrown into the Trevi Fountain?

A couple of times a year, the city sends in a team to collect the fortune.

The workers use brushes on the end of long poles to sweep the coins into piles and then use a suction hose to extract the money from the water.

The coins are then bagged under the watchful eye of the police.

In 2001, the mayor decided that the money should be collected for a local charity to put a stop to the frequent attempts by people to steal coins from the fountain.

Since then, the loose change that ends up in the fountain has been donated each year to Rome’s Catholic charity Caritas.

It has been a huge boost for the charity and the sum now makes up 15 per cent of its annual budget.

The group uses the money to help the city’s poor and needy. It funds soup kitchens, homeless shelters, free supermarkets and other projects.

ADVERTISEMENT

It also goes towards the upkeep of a complex on the outskirts of Rome housing a nursing home, canteen and dentist for city residents living in poverty.

RECENT NEWS

Private Ski Butlers, Live-in Chefs And Rare Cigars: Inside Switzerlands Ultra-luxury Travel Boom

American travellers have visited Switzerland in record numbers, leading to a surge in overnight stays. Read more

From Oscar Winners To Blockbusters: What Are The Worlds Most Cinematic Destinations?

While New York and London lead the way, Madrid and Argentina surprisingly rank high as popular filming locations. Read more

Bare All Or Be Gone: Why Swimsuits Could Soon Be Banned From German Nudist Beaches

While naturism dates to the 19th century in Germany, it is falling out of favour with young generations today. Read more

Festivals, Island Sun And City Breaks: Where To Travel In Europe This Spring

From Amsterdam’s raucous King’s Day to Corfu’s Garden Festival, spring in Europe is full of unforgettable events. Read more

Illegal Hotels, Pools And Hot Tubs: Santorinis Building Crimes Are A Disaster Waiting To Happen

Authorities have released details of dozens of illegal buildings on the Greek island of Santorini, which seismologists s... Read more

Greenlands Big Tourism Push: Why The Worlds Largest Island Wants More Visitors

Icebergs the size of skyscrapers and ancient glaciers: The wonders of Greenland are becoming easier to reach than ever. Read more