Trevi Fountain in Rome: What You Need to Know About the Landmark

There are more legends and stories surrounding the Trevi Fountain in Rome than any other fountain. Visit it and experience romance and mystique simultaneously - all the information you need is here!

The Trevi Fountain is considered one of the most beautiful fountains and attractions in the world. However, in Rome, it is not the only one: La Fontana della Barcaccia, la Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, and la Fontana dei Tritoni are all nice to look at, but none are nearly as famous as the Trevi Fountain.

Designed entirely in Baroque style, the structure was built in the 18th century by Nicola Salvi, modeled after the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola on the Janiculum Hill. Not fully completed, the fountain was inaugurated in 1735 by Pope Clement XII.

His coat of arms was integrated into the top part of the fountain. The Trevi Fountain stands at the end of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, an ancient water conduit that supplied Rome with water. Made of travertine, Tivoli stone, and marble, it stands 85 feet tall and 164 feet wide.

Built by Papal mandate by Urban VIII at the Palazzo Poli, it captivates with its triumphal arch and mythical creatures. Despite its size, you might find yourself getting lost on the way because it is tucked behind buildings on the Piazza di Trevi.

Here, three streets ('Tre Vie') converge, forming Piazza Trevi. When visiting, get off at the 'Barberini' metro station. If you have trouble finding it, simply follow the tourist crowds and the sound of violins which will lead you in the right direction. The Trevi Fountain is indeed a popular spot for lovers and marriage proposals.

The central figure is the sea god Oceanus on a chariot drawn by two Tritons. One of the seahorses appears calm, representing obedience, while the other is depicted as wild, symbolizing disobedience. Oceanus himself reflects a part of the natural forces that have become a threat to the people.

Other Baroque figures and mythological beings at the fountain include Agrippa, who informs Augustus about the fountain's construction. Additionally, next to the triumphal arch, the virgin is depicted as the guide of Agrippa's army to the source in the Sabine Mountains.

The soldiers are also depicted in relief above the virgin. In 19 BC, these soldiers initiated the construction of the aqueduct. The four small statues above the fountain represent the four seasons, along with figures of natural forces threatening and appearing to approach humankind.

Moreover, the facade displays allegories to field fertility, lush meadows, rich harvest, and autumn gifts. The feeling of being overwhelmed by threat might be accentuated by the strong sound of the fountain in the basin, as the water was redirected for this purpose. However, since 2007, the fountain water no longer comes from the still active Acqua Vergine conduit but from its own pump. In 2014, the fountain had to be closed and restored for 1.5 years due to weathering and vandalism.

In 19 BC, the Trevi Fountain, as the endpoint of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, directed water from a source 12 miles away into the city. During the Roman Empire, it was delivering up to 26 million gallons of water per day.

The simple basin of the aqueduct facilitated public access to water. However, today the fountain scarcely reminds one of that time, as it was only redesigned during the Renaissance by Pope Nicholas to its current appearance.

A legend says it brings good luck if you throw coins over your right shoulder into the Trevi Fountain. You must either toss the money with your left hand using a reversed backhand over your right shoulder or with your right hand over the left shoulder into the fountain basin.

Don't forget to aim at the fountain. Throw one coin, and you'll return to Rome. With two coins, you'll fall in love with an Italian man or woman. Throwing three coins leads to marriage with your love interest.

You can get married right at the Basilica di Santa Maria, which is also on the square. The fountain is a true talisman for the city of Rome, as nearly a million euros per year or up to 3000 euros per day are collected by staff and donated to charitable organizations.

In the famous scene from Federico Fellini's film 'La Dolce Vita,' Anita Ekberg jumps into the Trevi Fountain and invites Marcello Mastroianni to join her. Any attempt by tourists to replicate this scene and bathe in the Trevi Fountain, whether naked or clothed, is penalized by police and is fined up to 500 euros.

If you want to escape the heat, do not defy this ban but stroll through the narrow streets enjoying a real Italian 'Gelato.'

Looking for more inspiration?Find tips for all top travel destinations at bettercities.net.