The Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain, one of the most iconic and spectacular attractions in Rome, is the largest example of a Baroque fountain in the city and represents a timeless symbol of the architectural and artistic greatness of the Italian capital. Located in Piazza di Trevi, the fountain was designed by architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762. The origins of the Trevi Fountain date back to the ancient Acqua Vergine aqueduct, built in 19 B.C. under Emperor Augustus. This aqueduct provided pure water to the city of Rome and, during the Renaissance, was restored and integrated into the fountain we see today. The current fountain is the result of a long construction process that officially began in 1732 under the pontificate of Pope Clement XII, who announced a competition for its construction. Although the competition was initially won by the Florentine architect Alessandro Galilei, protests from the Romans about the choice of a “foreigner” led to the appointment of Nicola Salvi, who designed the fountain with a majestic and theatrical touch. The construction of the fountain faced several obstacles, including funding problems and the premature death of Salvi in 1751, when the work was still incomplete. Nevertheless, Salvi had laid the foundations for a masterpiece, and it was Giuseppe Pannini who completed the project, adding the allegorical sculptures that now decorate the fountain. The work was finally inaugurated in 1762 under the pontificate of Pope Clement XIII. The fountain stands majestically against the facade of Palazzo Poli, which serves as a theatrical backdrop for the entire composition. The central scene is dominated by the figure of Ocean, the god of the sea, who emerges triumphantly from a large shell drawn by seahorses and guided by tritons. On either side of Ocean, two large statues represent Abundance and Health, symbolizing the importance of water in daily life and public health. Above them, bas-reliefs illustrate the legend of the virgin who pointed out the source of water to Roman soldiers, from which the name Acqua Vergine derives. The central theme of the fountain is the “taming of waters,” an allegorical representation of human strength and control over natural elements. This theme is reflected in the dynamism of the figures and the abundance of marine elements, such as the horses representing the different phases of the sea: one calm and the other stormy. The Trevi Fountain is not only a work of art, but is also rich in symbolic and historical meanings. One of the most famous legends associated with the fountain is that of throwing coins: it is said that whoever throws a coin into the fountain, with their back to it and their right hand over their left shoulder, will ensure their return to Rome. This tradition, made famous by the 1954 film “Three Coins in the Fountain,” attracts thousands of tourists every day who hope to secure a future return to the Eternal City. The coins collected from the fountain, amounting to around 3,000 euros per day, are used to support charity projects through Caritas di Roma. The architecture of the fountain, with its skillful use of travertine extracted from the quarries of Tivoli, reflects the mastery of the sculptors and craftsmen who worked on it. Every detail, from the allegorical figures to the water jets, is studied to create a scenographic and impressive effect that leaves visitors breathless. The monumental proportions of the fountain, measuring 26 meters in height and 49 meters in width, almost completely fill the small square, creating a visually stunning impact. Over the centuries, the Trevi Fountain has undergone various restorations to preserve its beauty and functionality. Among the most significant are those of 1988, to remove encrustations caused by pollution, and that of 2014-2015, sponsored by the fashion house Fendi, which included a complete cleaning of the surfaces, repair of cracks, and installation of LED lights to improve nighttime illumination.