Fontana di Trevi

Trevi Fountain, a terminal exhibition of the Vergine aqueduct, the only one of the ancient aqueducts continuously in use until today, is the most famous of the Roman fountains.

Its name derives from a toponym in use in the area since the mid-twelfth century, Regio Trivii, referring to the confluence of three streets in the square, or from the triple outlet of the water of the original fountain.

The construction of the present Trevi fountain is due to Pope Clement XII who, in 1732, launched a competition in which the major artists of the time participated. Among the various projects presented, that of the architect Nicola Salvi was chosen.

Leaning against Palazzo Poli, the fountain is divided into a large basin with a large cliff enlivened by the sculptural representation of numerous plants and the spectacular flow of water. At the center dominates the statue of Ocean driving the shell-shaped chariot, pulled by the angry horse and the placid horse, held back by two tritons.

In the façade, articulated like a triumphal arch, there are two reliefs that allude to the legend of the source and the history of the aqueduct: on the right, the virgin indicating the source to Roman soldiers and, on the left , Agrippa who orders the start of construction of the aqueduct. The decorative apparatus is completed by two allegorical figures that enhance the beneficial effects of water, Healthiness and Abundance, placed in the side niches,.

The construction was completed by Giuseppe Pannini who partially modified the cliff by regularizing the central basins. After a restoration in the years 1989-1991, the last major restoration took place in 2014, thanks to the financial contribution of the Maison Fendi.

Before leaving, do not forget to throw a coin into the fountain, you will definitely return to Rome, as is the custom. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a bit of romance, perhaps even an Italian love, you will have to flip a second and third coin to make sure the wedding bells ring soon.

The Trevi Fountain was the splendid setting for the most famous scene of the film La Dolce Vita by director Federico Fellini; a provocative Anita Ekberg wrapped in a long black evening dress calls Marcello Mastroianni: Marcello, like here !, while sinuously plunges into the sparkling waters of the fountain.

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