The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most famous and popular tourist attractions. In 1732 Pope Clement XII commissioned Niccolò Salvi to build the impressive fountain. However, the monument was conceived about a century earlier, when in 1629 Jean Lorenzo Bernini prepared his sketches at the request of another pope – Urban VIII. After the death of Pope Urban, the project was abandoned until Niccolò Salvi took it up. However, not long after, in 1751 Salvi himself dies, which once again delays construction. Di Trevi was finally completed in 1762. by Giuseppe Panini. Its name derives from the old name of the area – Trebium. Although less common, the fountain is also called the Spring of the Virgin. This name is associated with the legend of a young Roman woman who showed the spring to thirsty soldiers.
Description: the Trevi Fountain /picture source: Shutterstock/;
An amusing story related to di Trevi’s construction is that of the marble vase that stands to the right of the monument. On this side of the square there was a barber’s shop, the owner of which was constantly suggesting to Salvi that the figures on the fountain did not fit well and that they should be placed in another way. To get rid of the constant reproaches, the architect decided to place the vase, and indeed if one looks at the fountain from this side, nothing of it is visible.
Description: Neptune figure /picture source: Shutterstock/;
The fountain is 20m wide and is 26m tall. It is skillfully built into the wall of the Palazzo Poli palace. In the center of the fountain stands the figure of the god of the seas Neptune, standing on a chariot in the shape of an oyster shell. The chariot is drawn by two winged horses, each led by Triton. One horse is calm and obedient, while the other is its opposite – furiously rebellious. The two horses symbolize calm and stormy waters. On either side of Neptune are two female figures symbolizing Abundance and Health, by Filippo Valle. Apart from them, many other figures can be seen that resemble rocks and plants and thus create a complete sea picture. Above the figures are two bas-reliefs. The left depicts Marcus Agrippa, the emperor who ordered the construction of the aqueduct that supplied the fountain with water. The right represents the virgin, also known as Trivia. At the top of the fountain stands the coat of arms of Pope Clement XII, and below it there are 4 figures, allegories of the four seasons.
Every day, eighty million liters of water flow into the semicircular basin, symbolizing the sea. The water is reused to supply several other fountains such as the Fountain of the Four Rivers and the boat-shaped one in front of the Spanish Steps. It is believed that if a person throws a coin into the fountain with his right hand, over his left shoulder, he will return to Rome again. If you toss a coin together with your beloved, family happiness will befall you. If you toss three coins, or you will get married soon. or you will be separated forever. Coins worth several thousand euros are thrown every day in di Trevi.
Address: Piazza di Trevi;
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