The Eternal city of Rome is the home of antiquated churches, piazzas, palaces and statues. Countless works of art and artifacts can be seen on the city’s old buildings and museums. Its neighborhoods with cobbled streets, beautiful plazas and fascinating fountains are truly inspirational. Among the city’s fountains, the most famous is the Trevi Fountain.
The Trevi Fountain or the Fontana di Trevi is the most beautiful fountain in the city of Rome. Located in the Trevi Square in the Quirinale district, its inviting and soothing sound will reach your senses even if you are on the nearby streets. The breathtaking Trevi fountain is sure to captivate your senses. The story of the fountain is depicted on 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. The 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; it 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 the 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. The center of the fountain 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 this beautiful fountain, do not 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. Well, 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 in Rome with snaps of your visit 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 in 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!
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[...] The Famous Trevi Fountain 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 . The center of the fountain 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 Roman history of aqueducts, [...]