Tourists Disappointed by 'Ugly' Replacement for Trevi Fountain

rome - The famous Trevi Fountain in Rome is currently dry as restoration work is being done, leaving tourists disappointed by the temporary alternative water basin.

Tourists planning to visit Rome may be disappointed to find out that the Trevi Fountain will be dry until September next year. The water has been pumped out to allow for precise restoration work on the sea god Neptune by designer Nicola Salvi.

Due to the ongoing restoration, visitors will not be able to throw coins into the famous fountain to make a wish or find true love, but Rome's municipality has provided an alternative. A water basin the size of a small swimming pool has been set up next to the fountain.

Not everyone is pleased with the replacement, with some like Italian Daniela describing it as 'ugly'. However, visitors are still making the best of it by tossing coins into the temporary basin. Some are amused by the situation, like American student Olivia who found it funny yet still great.

Every year, around one million euros are thrown into the 1762 fountain, the proceeds of which are collected by Caritas, an Italian organization fighting poverty. Last year, the city welcomed over thirty million visitors.

The area around the Trevi Fountain is already overwhelmed by tourists, leading Rome to consider implementing an entrance fee like Venice. This would involve a few euros to access the area surrounding the fountain's water basin. Alessandro Onorato, responsible for tourism in the city, expressed the desire to create a unique experience for visitors without the chaos of overcrowding for the perfect selfie.