- Tourist information
- Map
- Why is Trevi Fountain famous?
- What is the history of Trevi Fountain?
- What happens to the money thrown into the fountain?
- Why is it called “Trevi Fountain”?
- What do the fountain statues represent?
- What legends does the Trevi Fountain have?
Tourist information
| Type | Fountain |
| Year | 1762 |
| Visiting Hours / Ticket Price | Anytime. Free entry |
| Location | Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Rome RM, Italy, Europe |
Map
Why is Trevi Fountain famous?
Trevi Fountain is the most famous and probably the most beautiful artesian fountain in Italy. This impressive monument is located in Trevi Square, located in the Quirinale district.
The Trevi Fountain is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and sculpture. It is decorated with impressive carvings and fine details making it one of the most impressive fountains in the world. Its extravagant style and rich details have captivated art admirers for centuries.
The fountain also became widely known through appearances in famous films. The most notable appearance is in the classic film “La Dolce Vita” (1960), directed by Federico Fellini, where Anita Ekberg’s character dives into the Trevi Fountain.
Fontana di Trevi has an impressive waterfall system with jets and cascades that provide an impressive sound and visual spectacle. The fountain is illuminated at night, making it even more spectacular.
What is the history of Trevi Fountain?
Fontana di Trevi is one of the oldest water sources in Rome because it was at the end of an aqueduct built in 19 BC. which is called Aqua Virgo. This aqueduct brings water from the Salone springs (about 20 km away from Rome) and supplies the fountains in the historic center of Rome with water.
In 1732, Pope Clement XII wanted a fountain to be built in Trevi Square and so Nicola Salvi, an architect, was hired. Salvi took Bernini’s older plan and made the plan for the impressive fountain that we can admire today. The construction of the fountains was completed in 1762.
The architect who originally won the competition to design the fountain was Alessandro Galilei from the family of the famous astronomer Galileo. He was not accepted by the population because he was from Florence and not from Rome. As a result, the project was given to Nicola Salvi who was from Rome.
Funds for the construction of the fountain were collected from the Lotto game of that time.
The fountain is built from the same material as the Colosseum, namely from travertine stone (a name that means “from the Tiber” in Latin), a mineral formed from calcium carbonate that is found in spring waters, especially thermal ones.
The fountain uses about 2,824,800 cubic meters of water every day! The water is filtered and directed to drinking water fountains around the square.
What happens to the money thrown into the fountain?
About 3000 E are thrown into this well, daily. Coins are collected every night and used for charity.
Why is it called “Trevi Fountain”?
The name “Fontana di Trevi” comes from the word “Trevi”, which refers to three ways or roads. The fountain was built at the intersection of three important streets in Rome.
What do the fountain statues represent?
The central figure of the Trevi Fountain is Oceanus, the Greek god of flowing waters, who is in a shell-shaped chariot pulled by two sea horses. One of the horses is rambunctious and the other is calm and submissive. They symbolize the fluctuating disposition of the waters, sometimes turbulent and unstoppable and sometimes calm and clear. Some sources say that the central figure of the fountain is Poseidon (the Greek god of the sea) or Neptune (the Roman god of the sea), but this seems to be a mistake considering that the statue does not have the trident, the main symbol of this god.
To the left of Oceanus is the statue of the Goddess of Abundance, and to the right is the statue of the God of Health. Above the statue of the Goddess of Abundance is a bas-relief depicting Agrippa, the 19th BC emperor’s son-in-law, approving the construction plans for the aqueduct. Above the God of Health is the representation of the virgin directing the soldiers to the water.
What legends does the Trevi Fountain have?
The majestic Fontana di Trevi in Rome has a captivating legend intertwined with the enigmatic architect Nicola Salvi and a secret hidden in the blue water or among its magnificent sculptures.
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