Video reveals what really happens to thousands of coins thrown into Trevi Fountain
The world-famous tourist spot sees thousands of coins thrown into it everyday – so where do they all go?
A video of workers collecting all of the coins tossed into Rome’s famous Trevi Fountain has left tourists cracking jokes, and others in fear their wishes will now never come true.
The footage, presumably taken early one morning by one of the many travellers who flock to the free attraction every day, shows a group of men walking around inside the drained fountain and shovelling heaps of coins into large white bags.
The area appears to have been cleared of the heaving crowd typically seen in clips and photos of the sculpture, which depicts the famous tale of a priest from Troy who tried to warn fellow citizens against taking in the Greeks' wooden horse.
The clip, which was posted to Reddit on Wednesday (local time), prompted viewers to whip out their best dad jokes.
“This one right here. This is my dream, MY wish. And it didn’t come true. So I’m taking it back. I’m taking them all back,” one person commented, referencing the cult classic movie The Goonies.
“Spoiler alert — they aren’t employed,” another wrote.
“Somewhere a little kid riding a pony falls to the ground unexpectedly…” one joked.
“I want my money back,” another simply demanded.
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Why do people throw coins in the Trevi Fountain?
The ritual of tossing a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand into the Trevi Fountain and making has been cherished for decades. If you throw one coin, it is said to ensure your return to the city, a second coin will lead you to the love of your life and the third will bring wedding bells.
While the tradition is often associated with the 1954 movie “Three Coins In The Fountain”, the original legend goes stems all the way back to Ancient Rome, according to local tour company Roma Experience.
More than $1.6 million collected each year
While some reports say the coins are collected three times a week, Tripadvisor claims, on average, it is cleared of $5,000 daily, adding up to over $1.6 million every year.
There have been numerous attempts by people to use this opportunity to try and steal the bags of money, but the foundation is now heavily monitored.
All of the money goes to a Catholic charity called Caritas Rome, which helps those in need living in Rome, according to local tour groups and Tripadvisor.
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