The most beautiful fountain in Rome – Trevi Fountain
Fontana di Trevi as it’s called in italian is definetely a magnificent master piece created in the very center of Rome.
It’s the largest standing and most ambitious of the Baroque fountains of Rome. Measuring 25.9 meters (85 feet) high and 19.8 meters (65 feet) wide. Rome is rich in abundance of fountains. Currently consisted of over 3,000 fountains scattered all over the city. There is no place on earth like this.
This masterpiece is located at the crossing of 3 streets (tre vie) and it’s the final point of the “modern” Acqua Vergine which is anancient aqueduct that supplied water to Rome, more than 22 km (14 miles) away from the city. This aqueduct served Rome for more than 400 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
A traditional legend says that when a visitor throws a coin into the fountain, he will be back to Rome again. The tossing of the “three coins” was supposed to be done by three different individuals, but nowadays the current version of the legend says that two coins will lead to a new romance and three will ensure that you will either divorce or get married!
How your love could be governed by the tossing of three coins into a fountain is still a mystery many people believes in. This act has to be done with the right hand over one’s left shoulder and is said to bring good luck.
Each day approximately three thousands euros are believed to be thrown into the fountain and collected at night. The money has been used to help poor people and homeless in Rome. Nevertheless regular attempts to steal coins from the fountain are witnessed very frequently, including some using a magnetized pole. In 1998 the fountain has been refurbished and 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.
The theme of the gigantic scheme that jumps forward it’s called “Taming of the waters”. The mixing of water and rockwork is simply amazing.
Trevi area is definetely one of the most beautiful areas of Rome.
