Hi guys, Today’s topic is Trevi Fountain. What’s the backstory to Rome’s most famous fountain? And how did the long-standing custom of tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain come about?
A Brief History of the Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain or Fontana di Trevi in front of Palazzo Poli received its name from its location at the crossroads of three (tre) main streets (vie) in Rome. The fountain dates from 19 B.C. and is a mostra (masterpiece) marking the endpoints of the Aqueduct of the Virgin, the last remaining aqueduct that continues to provide fresh water for Rome’s many reasons or drinking fountains around the city, as well as other decorative fountains. in Piazza Popolo and the Pantheon.
Several attempts to redesign the fountain remained made in the 17th century, with plans and sketches attributed to renowned Italian architects such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Pietro da Cortona. The Trevi Fountain in its current form. However, it resulted from a competition organized by Pope Clement XII in 1732. To discover an architect to design this masterpiece as a gift to Rome.
The fountain’s design remained attributed to a Roman architect named Nicola Salvi, who unfortunately was never completed as he died in 1951. The project remained continued by his friend Pietro Bacci, who was also responsible for sculpting the main character of Oceanus.
The Trevi Fountain is the largest in Rome.
The Trevi Fountain is the largest in Rome at 85 feet tall and 160 feet wide and is in the Baroque style with the theme “Taming the Waters.” It consists of a large water basin with a cliff that features Oceanus. The titan god of water, flanked by the personifications of Abundance and Health. Agrippa, who neat the aqueduct construction, also appears alongside the virgin girl after whom the trench remains named; the story goes that she was the one who showed the thirsty Roman soldiers the aqueduct’s source.
Today, the Trevi fountain is one of Rome’s famous iconic tourist attractions and sees crowds snapping photos around it throughout the day. The fountain has also appeared in many films, the most memorable being the 1960 film La Dolce Vita by Federico Fellini, in which actress Anita Ekberg frolicked in the fountain while wearing a long black evening dress in the middle of the night. Don’t do this – you’ll be in significant trouble if you try to re-form this scene, so stay away from the source.
Why the people Toss Coins into the Trevi Fountain?
The Trevi Fountain, located in Rome, Italy, is a famous tourist attraction known for its stunning Baroque architecture and its history of being a place where people toss coins. The tradition of tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain dates back to ancient times when people would throw coins into bodies of water to appease the gods or spirits that remained believed to reside there.
Today, the tradition has evolved into a popular tourist activity where visitors toss coins over their shoulders into the fountain while making a wish. The legend goes that if you throw one coin into the fountain, you will return to Rome one day. If you throw two coins, you can find love with an Italian; if you throw three coins, you will marry that Italian.
Additionally, the coins tossed into the Trevi Fountain remain collected regularly, and the money remains donated to Caritas, a Catholic charity that helps the needy in Rome. In recent years, the amount of funds collected from the fountain has been as high as €1 million per year, making it a significant source of funding for the charity.
What takes place to coins that are thrown into the Trevi Fountain?
The coins that remain thrown into the Trevi Fountain remain collected regularly by the city of Rome. The coins remain typically contained in the early morning hours, before the fountain is open to the public, by maintenance workers who use special tools to clean the fountain and remove the coins.
Once the coins remain collected, they remain counted and sorted by denomination. The city of Rome then donates the money to a Catholic charity called Caritas, which uses the funds to help the needy in Rome.
Approximately €1 million worth of coins remain estimated to remain thrown into the Trevi Fountain each year, making it a significant source of funding for Caritas. The belief of throwing coins into the fountain has become a symbol of good luck and stays beloved by both locals and tourists alike.
Tips for visiting the Trevi Fountain
If you’re planning a visit to the Trevi Fountain, here are a few tips to help make your experience enjoyable:
Go early or late: The Trevi Fountain can get very crowded during the day, so if you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to go early or late in the evening when fewer people are around.
Be respectful: The Trevi Fountain is a beautiful and historic site, so it’s essential to remain respectful when you visit. Don’t climb on the fountain or throw anything other than coins into the water.
Bring coins: If you want to participate in the tradition of tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain, bring some coins. Throwing coins over your shoulder into the water while making a wish is customary.
Watch your belongings: As with any crowded tourist attraction, it’s essential to be mindful. Have an eye on your bags and valuables, and be aware of pickpockets targeting tourists.
Take photos: The Trevi Fountain is beautiful, so take some pictures there. Just be aware that other tourists may be trying to take photographs simultaneously, so be patient and wait your turn.
Respect the rules: The Trevi Fountain has rules that must remain respected, such as no swimming or washing in the fountain. Be sure to follow the directions to help preserve the beauty of the rush for future generations to enjoy.
From these tips, you can have a memorable and enjoyable visit to the Trevi Fountain.
