If the stock market and other value-based investments are not working in favor of one's profit, then a fountain could be the proper solution. Rome's famous Trevi Fountain, reconstructed with over $2.4 million the previous year, has almost given returned the sponsor's initial investment earning over $1.5 million of coins from travelers and locals.
According to NBC News, the believers of throwing coins backward into the Trevi fountain "using the right arm over the left shoulder," would have them return to the city one day. The story has become ingrained to all travelers and tourists as the fountain has earned more than $1.5 million in equivalent.
According to non-profit charity Caritas who receives the change from the fountain, entire bags of coins are thrown into the water. According to Caritas Spokesman Alberto Colajacomo, the organization reinvests the money into the charity's other projects and developments for the poor. The charity organization is the only one allowed to fish for change in the fountain and Italian police commonly arrest individuals attempting to scrounge up change from the fountain.
Rome's Trevi Fountain is iconic as it is quickly recognizable once one arrives in the country. The fountain has been featured in Federico Fellini's "La Dolce Vita" and other films such as William Wyler's "Roman Holiday," according to Mental Floss.
Rome's Trevi Fountain underwent a 17-month shutdown to make way for renovations costing the sponsors about $2.4 million. The site re-opened last November 2015. Roman fashion company Fendi developed the Trevi Fountain's renovation as part of its "Fendi for Fountains" project last January 2013.
Fendi said it was one way for their company to give something back to their city. They also recognize the fountain is an integral part of the city, which is a big inspiration to the fashion company itself. CNBC reports that in the last four years, Italian fashion companies have been sponsoring restoration projects to ensure the future of Rome's iconic landmarks and tourist spots, including the Spanish Steps, by Bulgari and the Piazza Trinita dei Monti by Tod.
