Image via WikipediaBy Sarah DudleymoreThe fountain is at the juncture of three roads (tre vie). It marks the terminal point of the 'modern' Acqua Vergine. One of the ancient aqueducts that supplied water to ancient Rome, stretched 22 km (14 miles) away from the city. This aqueduct (Aqua Virgo) also fed water into the Baths of Agrippa. It served Rome for more than four hundred years.
Numerous alterations were made as the centuries passed.
In 1629 Pope Urban VIII, thought the earlier fountain was losing its beauty and asked Bernini to sketch and give the fountain a new definite, monumental form. When the Pope died the project was shelved!
The project was adopted and taken over by Nicola Salvi! Work finally began in 1732, and the fountain was completed in 1762. Though Bernini's project was rejected, there are many Bernini touches in the fountain as it was built
Coin throwing: A traditional legend says that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are sure to return to Rome. For those who are not familiar with the tossing of the "three coins" they were thrown by three different individuals, the current version is that two coins will lead to a new romance and three will ensure either a marriage or divorce! Quite a mystery to base your love in a toss of three coins into a fountain.
Legend says that this act brings good luck to throw three coins with the right hand over one's left shoulder into the Trevi Fountain.
Approximately 3,000 Euros are thrown into the fountain each day and are collected at night. The money has been used to sponsor a supermarket for Rome's needy people. However, there are regular attempts to steal coins from the fountain, including some using a magnetized pole. The fountain was refurbished in 1998; the stonework was scrubbed and the fountain provided with re-circulating pumps.
Many people wonder what is the building behind Trevi Fountain. It's called Palazzo dei Duchi di Polis. In the center is a modeled replica of the triumphal arch. The center niche has free-standing columns for maximal light-and-shade.
On the outside Oceanus, water comes out from her urn and Salubrity holds a cup from which a snake drinks out from. On the top is a copy of the Roman origin of the aqueducts. The tritons and horses provide symmetrical balance, with the maximum contrast with their facial expressions and poses. 'Taming of the waters' is the theme of the gigantic scheme that jumps forward, mixing water and rockwork, and filling the small square.
Trevi area is also a very lively area and touristic spot, full of cafes, restaurants and pizzerias. The best time to enjoy it is on early morning, before it gets crowded or at dinner time when the fountain is lit up and the whole place gets magic.
Sarah Dudleymore is a professional travel consultant. She is working for "The Key to Italy" a travel agency specialized in Rome Holiday Apartments and with a wide offer of Apartments in Trevi Area
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