The Eternal city of Rome is home to antiquated churches, piazzas, palaces and statues. Countless works of art and artifacts can be seen in the city’s old buildings and museums. The cobbled streets, beautiful plazas and fascinating fountains of its neighborhoods are truly inspirational. Most famous among the city’s fountains, is the Trevi Fountain.
Known by Italians as Fontana di Trevi, the Trevi Fountain is the most beautiful fountain in the city of Rome. Located in Trevi Square within the Quirinale district, its inviting and soothing sounds will reach you even as you walk through nearby streets. Simply breathtaking, it is sure to captivate your senses. The story of the fountain is depicted in its baroque art and structure. The smooth and natural lines of the marble structures complement the nearby palace and the plaza itself.
The fountain traces its origin from ancient Roman times. Trevi Fountain is at the end part of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct which used to provide water to the city from the Solone Springs. The Aqua Virgo supplied Rome’s water for more than 400 years, but was subsequently destroyed by the Goths. The Roman tradition of building beautiful fountains was revived during the 15th century. Pope Urban in 1629 found an earlier fountain and commissioned Gian Lorenzo Bernini to design the renovation of the project. With the Pope’s death, the project was eventually shelved.
During the earlier part of the 18th century, Pope Clement XII tasked Nicola Salvi to design a fountain for Trevi Square and the famous fountain was completed in 1762. Salvi based his design upon Bernini’s work and his plan to position the fountain to face the Quirinial Palace. Salvi also insisted that the unpleasant barber’s sign should not ruin the entire design of the fountain; he hid it behind the sculpted vase called aces of cups. The Trevi Fountain was finished by Giuseppe Pannini who replaced the allegories for the sculpture of Agrippa and the Roman virgin.
The stunning Baroque fountain also figures prominently in iconography. It is the triumphal arch which shows Oceanus and the nearby niches, Abundance spills water from her urn and Salubrity holds a cup. Above it is a bas relief which depicts the history of the Roman aqueducts, one of which shows Agrippa carrying water to the fountain. The tritons and horses give the entire structure balance.
When you visit the beautiful Trevi fountain, don’t forget to throw in a coin and make a wish. Legend has it that when you throw a coin into the fountain, you will be sure to come back to Rome. Remember to throw the coin over your left shoulder with your right hand, while standing with your back to the fountain. Another legend says that throwing two coins at once may lead to a new romance and three coins may either mean marriage or divorce in your future. One thing is for sure, your coins will benefit a subsidized supermarket for the needy in Rome.
You’ll be able to impress your friends when you return from your vacation with snaps of your visit to Trevi Fountain. Why so impressive? Well, Fontana di Trevi is the iconic fountain featured in the well known movies La Dolce Vita and Roman Holiday. They may also be interested to hear that it is also the same famous fountain seen in Respighi’s Fontane di Roma and was recently replicated at Disney World in the US.
Begin your visit to Rome at the Trevi Fountain and your trip to the romantic city will be off to the best start possible!
