History enthusiasts and passionate travelers undoubtedly know about Rome’s Trevi Fountain. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome, this renowned baroque architectural marvel has won the hearts of many people.
A masterpiece of Baroque art and design is the Trevi Fountain. It is a monument to the splendor of that period, having been designed by Nicola Salvi and finished by Giuseppe Pannini in the 18th century.
There are many best things to do in Rome but visiting Trevi Fountain is the most fascinating thing. It has come to symbolize romance, good wishes, and the endless allure of the eternal city.
But did you feel that this magnificent site is much more than meets the eye? Throughout this post, we’ll explore the allure of the Trevi Fountain and reveal 15 facts that will astound you.
1. A Competition to Remember
Pope Clement XII held a competition to create a fountain at the termination point in the middle of the 18th century. In this renowned competition, two well-known architects from the time, Nicola Salvi and Alessandro Galilei, stood as the top competitors. Ultimately, Nicola Salvi’s design won the competition and earned his position as the fountain architect.
The competition was not without controversy, though. The decision left the runner-up, Alessandro Galilei, feeling immensely let down. According to legend, he never worked in Rome after the competition because he was so angry over losing.
2. The Power of Architecture
An intelligent architectural illusion was built into the Trevi Fountain’s design by Nicola Salvi, the architect. Due to its position at the end of a narrow plaza, the fountain appears much larger than it truly is. This optical trick highlights how magnificent the fountains are.
3. The Mysterious Water Source
The Aqua Virgo aqueduct, an old Roman wonder, provides the fountain’s water. The name “Aqua Virgo” may translate to “Virgin Water” because of the clean quality of the water it supplied to ancient Rome. It was first constructed in 19 BC by the Roman general Agrippa.
One of the oldest working aqueducts in the world, this one has been bringing water to Rome for almost two thousand years.
4. Feeding the Fountains
Along with the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and the Barcaccia Fountain are among the prominent fountains in Rome that receive water from the Aqua Virgo aqueduct. These Rome Trevi fountains continue to run as a tribute to the genius of ancient Roman architecture.
5. Mythical Symbolism
The Trevi Fountain is a masterpiece that is also aesthetically pleasing and full of symbolism. The four statues that surround Oceanus depict the four seasons: Abundance, Fertility, and the fruits of autumn and summer. This gives depth and purpose to the fountain’s design.
6. A Set for Iconic Movies
In several legendary movies, including Roman Holidays (1953), Three Coins in the Fountain (1954), and The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone (1961), the Trevi Fountain has starred. Especially in “La Dolce Vita” by Federico Fellini. One of cinema’s iconic moments is Anita Ekberg’s famous splash in the fountain.
7. Tossing Coins Tradition
Although tossing coins into the Fountain of Trevi has been a centuries-old ritual, the 1954 movie “Three Coins in the Fountain” helped it become more popular worldwide. Daily visitors to the fountain come from all over the world to participate in this custom.
8. Coins and Wishes
The tossing of coins over the left shoulder is perhaps the most famous custom linked with the Trevi Fountain in Rome. A single coin guarantees a return trip to Rome, two coins indicate a new relationship, and three coins result in marriage. Every year, almost a million Euros are thrown into the fountain.
9. Trevi Fountain Coins are Donated to Charities
The coins are given to Charities, a Catholic charity with a long history of serving the underprivileged. The amount of money collected from the coins goes toward philanthropic programs that help the less fortunate, such as the homeless, refugees, and underprivileged groups.
10. Amount of Money Generated
According to some estimates, the Trevi Fountain brings in roughly €3,000 per day. Depending on the precise currency rate, that comes to about $3,300. This average, which amounts to about US $1.5 million annually, I suppose is significantly more on some of the busiest days of the year. Every night, the coins are collected.
11. Changing the Decor with the Seasons
The surrounding scenery of the fountain transforms with the seasons, adding to its allure. Every visit is different throughout the year because of the towering tree that decorates the area at Christmas and the blooming flowers in the spring.
12. A Romantic Light Show for the Night
The Trevi Fountain becomes a beautiful sight when the sun sets. Couples seeking a magical evening under the stars are drawn to the delightful atmosphere created by the fountain when lit by soft lights.
13. A Remarkable Restoration
The luxury clothing company Fendi supported a significant renovation effort on the Trevi Fountain between 2014 and 2015. During the 17-month restoration, the marble was cleaned, broken areas were repaired, and a brand-new cutting-edge lighting system was installed. The fountain is now considerably more radiant at night as a result.
14. Stealing Money And Touching Water is Crime
It’s an attractive site for criminals since there is so much money out in the open, but it’s also against the law to touch the money in the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy. Additionally, entering the fountains is prohibited and punishable by a fine between €450 and €500.
15. Trevi Fountain and Colosseum are Made of the Same Material
The stone, known as Travertine, originates in the little Italian town of Tivoli and is located about 20 miles from Rome. The same material that was used in the Colosseum’s construction. The stone is a porous limestone that works well for building (and countertops) but not sculpting.
Conclusion
As you can see, the Trevi Fountain represents Rome’s rich artistic, cultural, and historical heritage alongside being a popular tourist destination. The Trevi Fountain continues to enthrall people from all over the globe with its architectural wonders, notable appearances in movies, and unique rituals connected to it. To make your memories in the heart of the Eternal City, remember to make a wish and throw a coin into this magnificent piece of art when you find yourself in Rome.