A stunning example of Baroque ‘over the top’ design, the scale of the Trevi Fountain as you stumble across it through its surrounding narrow streets never ceases to take your breath away.
Built in a small piazza that is on the corner of three streets (tre vie in Italian), its huge scale is due to the clever use of the back wall of the Palazzo Pori which forms its backdrop. It was then dug down below street level and with the surrounding tiered seating, it has the feel of a small theatre. In fact it has quite an acting pedigree having taken a main role in the films ‘Three Coins in A Fountain’, ‘Roman Holiday’ and of course ‘Dolce Vita’ where Anita Ekberg famously climbed into the waters (something strictly forbidden today).
The central figure of the fountain is Neptune flanked on either side by Triton – one fighting a seahorse and one peacefully blowing into a shell – to symbolise the 2 moods of the sea.
The orginal fountain dates back to 1453 but this version was completed in 1762 under the design of Nicola Salvi, even though it had been envisaged years before by Bernini and Pope Urban VIII. Today it pumps out a staggering 2.8 million cubic metres of water every day which were orginally provided by an ancient Roman viaduct that runs beneath the ground dating back to 19th century BC.
Legend says that you must stand with your back to the fountain and throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder into the water to ensure that one day you will return to Rome. An average of 3000 euros are thrown in every day mostly in 5 cent pieces which gives you an idea of how many visitors come to see it. The money is donated to charity and it is always under the watchful eye of a policeman.
Come late at night to see it lit up and you will avoid some of the crowds and street sellers. If you are a woman alone, you are likely to be ‘spotted’ by some of the Italian men who use the fountain as a great place to seek out those who may be looking for a little romance during their Roman Holiday…
To Get There
The Trevi Fountain (or Trevi Fontane) is in the middle of the historic centre, close to Barberini Metro station, or just a short walk from the main Via Del Corso. – just follow the signs (and the crowds). Its official address is Piazza di Trevi, found at the meeting point of where the streets of Via delle Muratte, Via del Lucchesi and Via in Arcione.
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