Trevi Fountain
Rome is home to a number of iconic fountains and some more not-as-exuberant ones around the city. In some, water sprouts out from a Lion’s mouth, stone masks in others. But in terms of grandeur, nothing beats the Trevi; a brilliant Baroque creation, in an elaborate display of sculptures, headed by the chariot of Neptune shaped like a shell, drawn by sea horses and led by tritons.
Suggested Time Spent: <1 Hour | Admission: Free | Hours: All day, but lights turned off at night
The original plan of the design originates from the 16th century by Bernini, but political troubles pushed back the commissioning of the construction to 18th century. Completed by Nicola Salvi in the 18th century, the water comes from the aqueduct of Acqua Virgo, it likely gets its name from the ‘junction of three roads’. The statues are carved from Carrara marbles and the facade is built from travertine limestone.
As in other Baroque creations, the facade and the statues in the Trevi carries symbolic significance. The statue of Oceanus, the horses depicting the mood of the sea, tritons bringing joy and peace to the earth, and the statues of health, abundance can all be found upon close inspection in this elaborate construction.
Above all the art and history, as legend has it, you should also throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder while facing back to the fountain. Many good things can happen including a second visit to Rome, falling in love with a Roman, even marrying one. Pick your poison. Before signing off, I’d ask you – can you estimate the annual monetary value of all the coins thrown in the water of Trevi Fountain? Leave the calculation framework in the comments.
Tips
- Visit once during the day and once during night. The colors are spectacular at night. Although after 10pm, the lights are turned off in summer.
- For a photo op without the crowds, after sunrise, around 8 am is a good time.
- For several reasons, Trevi is one of the worst spots for losing valuables and belongings. Watch your back and bags. One more reason to avoid the crowded times.
Anita Ekberg in Fellini’s La Dolce Vita
- Fun fact – many Italians and international cinema critics remember La Dolce Vita, where Anita Ekberg bathes in the Trevi fountain. Don’t think it is allowed anymore, but food for thought.