Tourists throw coins into a makeshift pool during renovations to the Trevi Fountain in Rome.

ROME (AP) — Tourists eager to return to the Eternal City are being forced to throw coins over a plastic barrier into a small makeshift pool in front of Rome. Trevi Fountain while the attraction is being drained for maintenance.

The unadorned rectangular box, which has a plywood finish, received mixed reactions. “I think it’s a very nice gesture that people can still do this,” said Marianne Streckstadt, who arrived Friday from the Netherlands. A traveler without cash, she took the pass.

Others, such as Daniela Carbone, found the spare pool “ugly”. However, she still gave her children a few coins to throw. “We have to make the kids happy,” she said.

City lore says that throwing a coin into a baroque fountain will ensure a return to Rome. This tradition generates approximately €1.5 million (US$1.6 million) annually, which is donated to Catholic Charities Caritas over the past 15 years.

TO cope with the overwhelming number of tourists While visiting the fountain, the city of Rome develops a plan to block off the area around the fountain. Visitors will need to book tickets online and then pay a €2 ($2.20) fee to enter. Once inside, they will have 30 minutes to enjoy the fountain.