Trevi Fountain - Behind the rich history, comes its myth and legends

I'm pretty much sure that anyone dreaming of visiting Rome would likely put this on top of their places to visit in the city.

Well, it was on my list too. 

As you emerge from the narrow cobble stone streets that open into Trevi Square you will be greeted by the breathtaking site of the Trevi Fountain, one of the most picturesque and captivating fountain in Rome.

The Trevi Fountain is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and elegance.

Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain  and you'll be guaranteed a return visit to the Eternal City. 

The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) was constructed in 19 BC by Agrippa, the son-in-law of Emperor Augustus. The aqueduct brings water all the way from the Salone Springs (approx. 21km from Rome) and supplies the fountains in the historic center of Rome with water.  It stands at the junction of three roads " tre vie", marking the end point of one of Rome’s modern aqueducts, Acqua Vergine (Aqua Virgo), that supplied water to ancient Rome. 

The name "Trevi" was derived from the Latin word "Trivium", which means a meeting point of three streets, on which the fountain can now be found, they are Via De' Crocicchi, Via Poli and Via Delle Muratte. Hence, the fountain got its name. 

It is the most important work of the late Baroque in Rome, combining sculpture, nature and architecture.

Salvi, set it almost entirely against the face of Palazzo Poli, adding  a  balcony scene, almost as if it were a theater.

The fountain, which is designed like a monumental triumphal arch, was built against a wall of the Palazzo Poli. It is oriented southwards so that the sun always illuminates it and it is feed by the old aqueduct of Acqua Vergine. This is the aqueduct that supplies the water to the monumental fountains of the historic center, from Piazza Navona to Piazza di Spagna. 

Designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi who had won a public competition for the design of the fountain and completed by Pietro Bracci. The fountain was inaugurated in 1740 under the Pope Benedict XIV, and when it was finished in 1762 under Pope Clemente XIII.

The main statue of the fountain often regarded as Neptune, but it represent Oceanus. Neptune often has his triton in his hands and a dolphin following him. According to its designer Nicola Salvi, the statue is an image of Oceanus, the personification of a immerse river that flows around the earth and from which all streams of water derive.

The beard of Oceanus is a symbol of wisdom and power. The wand is short and thick, similar to the ones held by Roman emperors portrayed in many ancient coins.

The Restless Sea Horse (L) - representing the violent strength of the sea.

The Calm Sea Horse (R) – representing the tranquility of the sea.

Statue on Left – representing abundance.

Statue of Right – representing health.
Bas Relief Upper Left - Agrippa approving the plans for the Aqueduct.
Bas Relief Upper Right - young girl showing the soldiers the way.

Attic of the Trevi Fountain - the allegorical statues in front of the attic symbolize the four seasons. Crowning the top is the coat of arms of Pope Clement XII. 

Asso di Coppe (Ace of Cups) – a vase-formed statue found at the right side of the corner of fountain on via dela Stamperia, similar to the traditional Italian card game. It is said that when designer Salvi was constructing the fountain, he did not get along with a barber who continued to criticize his work, and place the big vase in front of his shop to block him from seeing the construction.

Tourists surround the fountain during the day.

Myths and Legends

There are many myths and legends about this fountain, but no trip to the Trevi Fountain would be complete, without the tradition of tossing a coin.  The tradition gained popularity after it was the theme of the 1954 romantic comedy Three Coins in the Fountain, but it started long before the movie. 

Originally, it was said that a thirst quenching glass of water from the Trevi Fountain would ensure good fortune and a fast return to the Eternal City.

Over the course of time, this practice was replaced with the tossing of a coin in the fountain. The precise tradition calls holding the coin on your right hand and tossing the coin over your left shoulder while standing with one's back to the Trevi Fountain.

And, who wouldn't forget a scene from the Italian film "La Docle Vita", by Fellini when an alluring Anita Ekberg jumps into the Trevi Fountain and starts calling Marcello Mastroianni to join her.

One,two, three, Four... Toss...

Coin 1: If you toss a coin, you are guaranteed to return to Rome.

Coin 2: If you toss a coin on your second visit, a romance will blossom.

Coin 3: If you toss a coin on your third visit, you’ll get married or worst, a divorce.
3 Coins: If you toss 3 coins, all at once, you'll have good luck.

So, does visiting the Trevi Fountain on (almost) a daily basis included, and can guarantee me this? If it was, I’ve tossed more than 3 coins!

The Water of Love ( L’acqua dell’amore)

In the past, the water of the fountain was considered the most delicious water in Rome, and people used to drink from here. When many warriors went out for was, young girls gave a glass of water as a proof of sincerity to theirs lovers, then girls would break the glasses praying for their future happiness. Now, it says that if a couple drinks from this, which is found on the left side of the Trevi Fountain, they will be forever faithful to their partner.

Over a million euros are tossed into the fountain each year, but do you know where it goes? 

With an approximate 3,000 Euros thrown everyday, it  sure does an easy money for other people. There have been cases of thieves stealing coins from the fountain, there's even one story that made the headline about a disabled man who has been collecting coins from the fountain for 20 years and was carried out in court. Guess what, the city of Rome, lost! The reason, he has a disability certificate and the Court ruled out that the coin's thrown in the fountain are no one's property, so anyone can take it.

But now, the city of Rome are a bit strict when it comes to the coins.  The city of Rome closed the Trevi Fountain for an hour every night and collects the coins to prevent them from being stolen. They have also created a fund in order to subsidize a grocery store for Rome's impoverished citizen with the help of the Roman Catholic charity Caritas.

During my month-long stint in Italy on the summer of 2013, I've been here more than a dozens of times, on different days and on different times (even past midnight); still, it's always crowded, and boy, was is scorching hot.  

No matter what time of the day you visit, the Trevi Fountain will always impress you, as you watch as the clear waters gush over the glistering marble during the day, the architecture almost seems to come alive. A visit at night while the fountain is all lit up, glows with pleasing yellowish lights. Both visits will be a unique experience. 

Personally,  I love it more during the night, especially before midnight, when there are less people and you get to see the true beauty of the fountain.

The Trevi Fountain is the perfect place to stop, listen to the water and admire one of Rome's great treasure.