The small free-standing pool of the Trevi Fountain is scornful

Erected late last week, the pool is decked out in unpainted plywood and sits behind a tall fence covered in clear plastic, over which tourists toss coins in the hope that they will fall into the water.

The loose change now scattered around the perimeter emphasizes how challenging it is.

City officials confirmed that the pool was primarily built to protect workers inside the empty fountain from being struck by coins.

It will also ensure the venue continues to collect 1.5 million euros ($2.47 million) a year in coins, which are given to the Catholic charity Caritas.

“The pool, which is of course temporary and was installed during the extraordinary maintenance work of the fountain, is used to collect coins thrown by tourists,” Claudio Parisi Presicce, the Capitol’s cultural heritage supervisor, told CNN.

“It’s a well-established and much-loved tradition.”

Legend – or at least the movie world – says that if you toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain, it ensures a return to Rome.

Two coins mean that you will fall in love with an attractive Italian, and three coins mean that you will marry that person.

Other legends lean towards honoring water gods.

The extensive 300,000-euro (about $500,000) renovation that began in early October is expected to be completed just in time for Rome’s 2025 celebrations to mark the Roman Catholic Church’s “jubilee” year, which is expected to attract millions visitors to the city.

Meanwhile, a metal walkway is being erected above the empty fountain for tourists to get a closer look at a sculpture of Oceanus, the titan god of the Earth, depicted with galloping horses.

The promenade will eventually be modified to make way for a two-euro entrance fee for tourists to get close enough to drop coins, which, if realized, would begin in April 2025.

The city authorities have not yet fully signed off on the measures, including the fencing of the entire square, following complaints from local shops and residents after the initial announcement.

Coins are taken out twice a day, and the pool is emptied and refilled every morning.