Rome's iconic fountains ready for jubilee year showcase

With the anticipated arrival of over 30 million pilgrims and tourists from around the world for the Jubilee Year of 2025, the Eternal City is intensively preparing for these special events. Extensive renovation and restoration work is being carried out at numerous sites.

Just before the inauguration in Rome, the famous fountains were being renovated to restore their former glory. Tourists will be pleased to know that the renovation of the Fountain of the Four Rivers on Piazza Navona has already been completed.

The Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, attended the ceremonial unveiling. He recalled that Pope Innocent X wanted the fountain ready for the Holy Year in 1650, but it was completed a year later.

One of the most significant projects is the recently completed renovation of the Fountain of the Four Rivers on Piazza Navona. Gianlorenzo Bernini's mid-17th-century masterpiece symbolises four great rivers from four continents: the Nile, Danube, Ganges, and Rio de la Plata. After seven months of work, during which the sculptures underwent thorough chemical and mechanical cleaning, the fountain regained its original appearance.

The completion of work on the Trevi Fountain is also approaching rapidly. One of the most recognisable attractions in Rome is now almost fully accessible to visitors. The scaffolding and metal walkway, which had been set up since early November, have disappeared. Only low barriers remain around the monument.

In recent months, both fountains have been inaccessible to visitors, which has disappointed many tourists. However, city authorities are trying to ensure that the Eternal City captivates millions of visitors with its beauty and cultural heritage.