Tourists Toss Coins over a Makeshift Pool as Rome’s Trevi Fountain Undergoes Maintenance

 A small pool is seen in front of the Trevi Fountain to allow tourists to throw their coins in it, as the fountain has been emptied to undergo maintenance work that will last until around September 2025, in Rome, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP)
A small pool is seen in front of the Trevi Fountain to allow tourists to throw their coins in it, as the fountain has been emptied to undergo maintenance work that will last until around September 2025, in Rome, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP)
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Tourists Toss Coins over a Makeshift Pool as Rome’s Trevi Fountain Undergoes Maintenance

 A small pool is seen in front of the Trevi Fountain to allow tourists to throw their coins in it, as the fountain has been emptied to undergo maintenance work that will last until around September 2025, in Rome, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP)
A small pool is seen in front of the Trevi Fountain to allow tourists to throw their coins in it, as the fountain has been emptied to undergo maintenance work that will last until around September 2025, in Rome, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP)

Tourists eager to return to the Eternal City are being forced to toss coins over a plastic barrier and into a small makeshift pool in front of Rome’s Trevi Fountain while the attraction is being drained for maintenance.

The rectangular box, unadorned and showing its plywood finish, has elicited mixed reactions. “I think it is a very sweet gesture that people can still do that," said Marianna Strekstadt, visiting from the Netherlands on Friday. A cashless traveler, she was taking a pass.

Others, like Daniela Carbone, found the substitute pool “ugly.” Yet, she gave her kids some coins to throw in anyway. “We have to please the children,” she said.

City lore has it that tossing a coin into the Baroque fountain will ensure a return trip to Rome. This tradition generates an estimated 1.5 million euros ($1.6 million) annually, which has been donated to the Catholic charity Caritas for the past 15 years.

To manage the overwhelming number of tourists visiting the fountain, Rome City officials are devising a plan to block off the area around the fountain. Visitors will be required to book online and then pay a fee of 2 euros ($2.20) to get in. Once inside, they will have 30 minutes to enjoy the fountain.



King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language Launches Digital Toolkit

King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language Launches Digital Toolkit
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King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language Launches Digital Toolkit

King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language Launches Digital Toolkit

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language released its digital toolkit under the theme "Proud of it”, as part of its preparations to celebrate World Arabic Language Day, observed annually on December 18.

The move aims to enrich the celebration of Arabic language in public and private sectors, as well as among individuals, and reflect the support the Kingdom and its wise leadership to the Arabic language, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday.

This initiative coincides with the World Arabic Language Day, declared by the United Nations General Assembly, which designated Arabic as one of the official working languages of the UN.

The day seeks to raise awareness about the history, culture, and development of the Arabic language through various activities and events.

The academy’s digital toolkit offers linguistic information, supportive ideas, and resources about the Arabic language. It aims to honor the language, elevate its status, support institutions and empower individuals working in the field of Arabic language ahead of World Arabic Language Day.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said this year’s celebration will be held under the theme “Arabic Language and AI – Advancing Innovation While Preserving Cultural Heritage”.