Construction is well underway in Rome in preparation for the upcoming Jubilee event next year. Tourists visiting the Trevi Fountain are currently facing some obstacles, as the fountain is drained for maintenance and a makeshift pool has been set up for visitors to toss coins into. This tradition of tossing coins into the fountain is believed to bring luck and ensure a return trip to Rome, generating an estimated €1.5 million annually for a Catholic charity. The construction work is part of a wider beautification project to improve the city’s infrastructure and historical sites ahead of the Jubilee.
The Jubilee, a holy event presided over by the Roman Catholic Church, occurs every 25 years and is expected to bring up to 35 million pilgrims to Rome from Christmas Eve 2024 to the Feast of the Epiphany 2026. The city has seen numerous road closures, construction works, and scaffolding surrounding monuments in preparation for this influx of visitors. Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri reported that a record 3,200 public construction projects are currently taking place in the city, with funding from both state and EU sources. The aim is not only to refresh historical sites but also to improve transport and waste management infrastructure.
To manage the overwhelming number of tourists at the Trevi Fountain, Rome City officials are proposing a plan to restrict access and introduce a fee for visitors. The proposed system would require visitors to book online and pay a €2 fee for a 30-minute visit to the fountain. This reservation system is expected to ease overcrowding and provide a unique perspective of the fountain with a glass and steel walkway being built across it. Additional measures, such as new regulations on short-term rentals and a recent increase in the tourist tax, are also being implemented to address overtourism issues in the city.
In anticipation of the Jubilee Year, Rome is introducing an AI-based virtual assistant named ‘Julia’ to help visitors discover lesser-known attractions and reduce the strain on major monuments. Available through messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Julia aims to enhance the tourist experience and spread visitors across a wider range of attractions in the city. The Vatican’s Jubilee event is a significant occasion for the city, with billions of euros being invested in the renovation and beautification of Rome to accommodate the millions of expected pilgrims during the event.
While some visitors have expressed mixed reactions to the makeshift pool at the Trevi Fountain and the proposed fee system, others have accepted it as necessary to manage the overwhelming number of tourists and preserve the fountain. Rome’s construction and beautification efforts ahead of the Jubilee are focused on improving the city’s infrastructure, historical sites, and tourist experiences. The upcoming event is expected to draw millions of visitors seeking forgiveness, renewal, and celebration, making it crucial for Rome to be prepared to welcome and accommodate pilgrims from around the world.
