The Incredible Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy
The popular Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy is not only Rome’s largest Baroque fountain, but also recognized as the city’s most beautiful one.
Trevi Fountain has origins that date back to ancient Roman times, when it was the terminal point of Rome’s aqueduct – Aqua Virgo – constructed in 19 BC. Aqua Virgo translates to “the Virgins Water.”
Trevi Fountain, or locally known as Fontana di Trevi, dominates quaint Trevi Square which is located in the Quirinale district.
In 1730, Pope Clement XII originally held a competition for a fountain design that would cover the whole back wall of the Palazzo Poli. In 1732, then Pope Clement XII commissioned Nicola Salvi to create a large fountain at the Trevi Square.
It took 30 years, but the beautiful fountain was finally completed. Die to the long construction timeline, three different popes served the Catholic church – Clement XII, Benedict XIV and Clement XIII.
Trevi Fountain was officially unveiled on May 22, 1732 and has been a popular Roman attraction ever since.
The primary figure of Trevi Fountain is Neptune, the god of the sea. Neptune rides a chariot that’s shaped like a shell and is pulled by two sea horses. A Triton guides each of the sea horses. The water at the bottom of the gorgeous fountain represents the sea. The statue on the right hand side of Neptune represents Salubrity. On the left is a statue that represents Abundance.
If you do visit Rome and see Trevi Fountain, you must follow the long standing tradition of tossing a coin into the fountain’s water. Legend has it that he or she who throws a coin over your shoulder with your back to the fountain …. will one day will come back in Rome.
Legend has it you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the water. You should toss it over your shoulder with your back to the fountain.
