Fontana di Trevi
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world, located in the heart of Rome, Italy. This Baroque masterpiece was designed by architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762. The fountain is renowned for its large size and intricate sculptures depicting mythological figures and natural forms.
What you need to know about the Trevi Fountain
Here are some key details about the Trevi Fountain:
- Design: The central figure of the fountain is Ocean, the god of water, riding a chariot drawn by two sea horses, each led by a Triton. One horse is calm, while the other is restless, symbolizing the changing moods of the sea.
- Background: The fountain is built against the facade of Palazzo Poli, and the architectural elements blend harmoniously with the flowing water and natural rocks at the base of the sculpture.
- Coins and Wishes: A popular tradition among visitors is to toss a coin into the fountain, behind the left shoulder, to ensure that they return to Rome. It is estimated that thousands are collected from the fountain each year, and the proceeds go to charities.
- Water Source: The fountain’s water comes from the ancient Roman aqueduct Acqua Vergine, which has been supplying the city since 19 BC.
- Location: The fountain is located in Rome’s Trevi district, from which it takes its name. “Trevi” comes from the word “Trivium,” meaning the intersection of three streets.
The Trevi Fountain is a symbol of the grandeur of Rome’s artistic and cultural heritage and is a must-see destination for millions of visitors each year.
Curiosities
Here are some interesting facts about the Trevi Fountain:
- The Film “La Dolce Vita”: The Trevi Fountain was also made famous by Federico Fellini’s famous 1960 film, “La Dolce Vita.” In the film, actress Anita Ekberg bathes in the fountain, becoming an icon of Italian cinema.
- The Legend of the Coin: Tossing one coin into the fountain is said to guarantee a return to Rome, while tossing two coins means one will find love. If three coins are tossed, it is said that one will marry the desired person.
- Restoration and Maintenance: The fountain has undergone various restorations over the years. The last major restoration was completed in 2015 to mark the 300th anniversary of its inauguration.
- Materials Used: The Trevi Fountain is made primarily of travertine, a type of limestone that gives the fountain its characteristic luminous appearance.
- The Story of Ocean: The central figure of Ocean not only represents the god of the sea, but also symbolizes the power of water and its importance to life in Rome.
- The Lighting System: The fountain is illuminated by underwater lights, which create a magical atmosphere at night and make the sculptures even more fascinating.
- Fundraising: Each year, coins collected in the fountain amount to about 1.5 million, and are donated to charitable organizations, including soup kitchens and social welfare projects.
- Impressive Dimensions: The Trevi Fountain is about 26 meters high and 20 meters wide, making it one of the largest and most spectacular fountains in the world.
- Inauguration: The fountain was inaugurated in 1762, but its construction began in 1732. It was designed to mark the end of the aqueduct that brought water to Rome.
- Accessibility: Despite being one of the most popular tourist attractions, the Trevi Fountain is surprisingly easy to visit. It is open 24 hours a day, so visitors can admire it at any time of the day or night.
These curiosities make the Trevi Fountain not only an extraordinary work of art, but also a symbol of Roman culture and history.
Choose your favorite Vespa tour to visit Rome
Grand Tour of Rome
Rome Movie Set
Castelli Romani
Rome and Ostia Antica
