Trevi Fountain Drained For Construction, Tourists Continue Throwing Coins Anyway

Ladies and gentlemen, this week our informal "too touristy for words" quota has been reached in Rome.

The Trevi Fountain is currently under construction, its famous basin drained so workers can renovate the centuries-old Baroque masterpiece. Construction teams have set up a delicate metal walkway around the fountain, intended to let visitors carefully and gently observe the fountain during its overhaul.

And though there's a nice walkway from which to politely observe, tourists continually insist on chucking coins into the fountain's empty basin -- a dangerous practice which could damage the fountain or injure the workers.

The Telegraph reports that tourists have been throwing coins into the Trevi -- a tradition that supposedly ensures a swift return to Rome -- since construction began earlier this summer. Officials plan to post signs soon, warning tourists of the impact that coin-tossing could have on the site and its workers.

We can't blame the visitors too harshly -- maybe they're just that unaware of the potential damage they're causing.

But still... c'mon, people. Could you BE any more touristy? Let's show Roma a little respect.