Rome's most famous fountain, the Trevi Fountain, was built according to drawings by Giovanni Bernini and a design by Nicolo Salvi in 1762. In a small square, the Trevi Fountain looks simply enormous: 26 metres high and 20 metres wide. The backdrop for the spring is the 16th century Baroque Palazzo Poli, which now houses the Institute of Graphic Arts and Design.
History of the Trevi Fountain
Legend has it that the name of the fountain comes from the name of a girl named Trivia, who pointed out a spring of clear water to thirsty Roman soldiers. In fact, "trevi" is a derivative of "tre via" - the three streets at the intersection of which the famous fountain is located.
In Piazza de Trevi was a source of water from which the citizens drew water, and when in 1732, with the blessing of Pope Clement XII, it was decided to build a fountain in the city, the place was predetermined. The water was brought to the fountain from external sources and fed by an aqueduct built in the 1st century BC. Since the middle of the XV century a small bowl fountain was installed in the square - the work of the architect Alberti. In 1629 Pope Urban VIII invited the artist Giovanni Bernini to present a new project, but the construction of the fountain stopped with the death of the Pope. The composition was continued in 1732 by Nicolo Salvi, who decided not to change the basis of Bernini's design. The Palazzo Poli was also rebuilt in the complex, as its appearance did not harmonise with the idea of the fountain. The palace is now in the hands of the then unknown Luigi Vanvitelli. Nicolò Salvi died in 1752 without completing the construction, and the composition was worked on for another 10 years by Bartolomeo Pincellotti, Giovanni Grossi, Pietro Bracci and other architects. Finally, in 1762, the pontiff Clement XIII inaugurated the Trevi Fountain.
Composition of the fountain
The general theme of the sculptural group is myths about the sea and its inhabitants. The base is a large rounded pool surrounded by a kerb and stairs on both sides to make the difference in height of the plaza unnoticeable. When you are in the plaza, there is a sense of a theatrical scene from the life of the sea god. Neptune the Ocean is standing ruling a shell-shaped chariot pulled by seahorses and newts. The statue of the lord of the depths of the sea is in front of the high arch of the palazzo, giving the illusion that the chariot rides out of it. To the right and left of the central group are sculptures - symbols of Health and Abundance, and above them - the figure of a girl pointing the soldiers to the source of water.
New Myths
For many years, the Trevi Fountain has been a must-see for tourists. It is considered good luck to throw coins into the water, standing with your back to Neptune. If you want a quick marriage, throw three coins. Looking for mutual love for life? For just three coins, the fountain is ready to help you. If you want to come to Rome again, one coin in the fountain and your wish will come true. For lovers who wish to never part, there are special "lovers' tubes" on the side, from which you need to drink water together.
Thanks to such omens, the municipal services of Rome catch up to 11 thousand euros from the fountain every week. The money is transferred to the international charity Caritas. In the 90s, the fountain was reconstructed and for a while it was not allowed to throw coins into the water, but soon the ban was lifted.
If possible, visit the Trevi Fountain in the evening, when the illumination is switched on. An unforgettable majestic spectacle awaits you.
On a side note
- Location: Piazza di Trevi, Rome
- Nearest metro station: "Barberini"
- Official website: http://www.restaurofontanaditrevi.it/en/
