Trevi Fountain

Our tour would not have been complete without the Trevi fountain. It is one of the most famous backdrops in the world and represents one of the most visited tourist destinations in the city.
The fountain’s construction was initiated in 1732, in the late Baroque period, by Nicola Salvi, and completed in 1762 by Giuseppe Pannini. Inspired by Bernini, Salvi shaped this monumental fountain, perfectly matching architecture and sculpture.
The fountain’s structure was completed under the reign of Pope Clement the 12th.
The monument is fed by one of the most ancient Roman Aqueducts, the Aqua Virgo, which carried to Rome the water originating from a spring, located in 19 B.C.,that supplied water to the thermal baths built by Marco Vipsanio Agrippa.
According to legend, the Virgo after which the aqueduct is named originated with a maiden who showed the location of the spring to the soldiers who were looking for it. This discovery was paramount for the city, which could once again drink water drawn from a spring, instead of from the river Tiber

The centre of the fountain is dominated by the statue of Ocean driving a shell shaped chariot; the chariot itself is pulled by two horses, one raging and the other tranquil, that are controlled by two tritons and by two statues representing Salubriousness and Prosperity.
This, the most beautiful fountain in Rome, was made famous in the 1960 film “La Dolce Vita”, in which actress Anita Ekberg was shown bathing in it.
The Trevi fountain attracts thousands of tourists every day for a well known rite: by throwing a coin into the water of the fountain with your right hand over your left shoulder, you will ensure that you will one day return to the Eternal City.
There is however another, less well known story that inspired another film from the ‘50s: “Tre soldi nella fontana di Trevi”. According to this story, you should throw three coins into the fountain; one to return to Rome, one for a new love and one to bring about your wedding within the near future.
All the coins that are thrown into the fountain are regularly fished out and given to charities, although there have been instances of the coins being stolen in the past.
This is a fountain that is unique to Rome, and is one of the most awe inspiring and perpetually crowded with sightseers. It is difficult to find it deserted even during the small hours. To stop and watch the raging surge of the water on the precious marble is a privilege and an unimaginable pleasure for those of a romantic disposition.
It is an enchanted and relaxing place. At night, when the tourist invasion abates, it appears even more magical. It is the ideal backdrop for unforgettable romantic moments. That is why it is arguably the most representative and thrilling symbol of the Eternal City.

Photo 1 Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy 2 - May 2007 by Diliff  licensed under CC BY 3.0