TREVI FOUNTAIN

The Trevi Fountain in Rome is a magnificent Baroque masterpiece and one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Designed by Nicola Salvi and completed in the 18th century, it features a grand façade adorned with sculptures depicting sea gods and mythical creatures. Visitors toss coins into the fountain, believing it ensures a return trip to Rome.

The Trevi Fountain, situated in the heart of Rome, is one of the most iconic and beloved landmarks in the Eternal City. This stunning Baroque masterpiece, designed by architect Nicola Salvi, was completed in 1762 and stands an impressive 26 meters (85 feet) tall and 49 meters (161 feet) wide.

The fountain's design centers around the grand statue of Oceanus, the god of the sea, who stands majestically atop a shell-shaped chariot pulled by two sea horses, representing the contrasting moods of calm and rough seas. On either side, there are statues symbolizing Abundance and Health. Visitors from around the world flock to the Trevi Fountain to participate in the tradition of tossing a coin over their left shoulder into the fountain's waters. Legend has it that doing so ensures a return trip to Rome and a wish come true.

Surrounded by awe-struck spectators, the Trevi Fountain exudes a magical allure, particularly at night when it is beautifully illuminated. This architectural marvel not only symbolizes Rome's rich history and artistry but also serves as a symbol of hope, dreams, and timeless beauty.

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Highlights

• Participate in the age-old tradition of throwing a coin in this 18th-century fountain for your speedy return to Rome
• Enjoy watching the statue of Neptune on his chariot pulled by two winged horses, each symbolizing a different tide
• Head to one of the most beautiful fountains in Italy known for its exotic Baroque architecture which is a must-visit if you are in Rome. 
• Click pictures in front of this world-famous fountain that has served as a backdrop in several movie scenes including Angels and Demons, La Dolce Vita, The Lizzie McGuire Movie, and Roman Holiday. 

How To Reach

The nearest airport to Trevi Fountain is the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO), which is located at an approximate distance of around 29 kilometers from the monument. The fountain is directly and conveniently connected to the airport by roadways as well as railways.

By Road: The cheapest way of reaching Trevi Fountain from Rome airport is by driving, which will take you around 26 minutes. However, the fastest way of getting to the monument from the airport is by taking a taxi.

By Bus: Tourists can also take a direct bus to arrive at the Trevi Fountain, which will take them around 45 minutes. Direct buses to the place depart from the Rome Fiumicino Airport Bus Station every 30mins and operate daily.

By Rail: Visitors to Trevi Fountain can even opt to take a direct train to reach the place within 32 minutes. Direct trains to the fountain depart from Fiumicino Aeroporto every 20mins and operate daily. 

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Best Time To Visit

Although technically there are not any set timings for visiting Trevi Fountain, you would like to go to the place when it’s not very busy and chaotic. If you wish to catch a relaxed glimpse of the fountain, you require to visit the monument when the bordering piazza is not very crowded. Trevi Fountain receives the most crowds from 12 PM to 7 PM, so it is advisable to consider visiting the place either after or before that time.

According to the visitors, the fountain usually gets cleaned early in the morning on weekdays, around 6 AM to 10 AM. So, if you are planning to pay a morning visit to the monument, you can do so during this time. Trevi Fountain lights up brilliantly once dawn approaches. If you want to witness this iconic site in darkness, consider keeping this as your last activity of the day and visiting the fountain from around 8 PM to 11 PM.

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Other Essential Information

History of Trevi Fountain

Considering the plethora of ancient monuments found in Rome city, Trevi Fountain happens to be comparatively modern. Pope Clement XII organized a competition in the year 1732 for finding an appropriate architect for crafting a new fountain for an aqueduct, which had been consistently pumping water into the city of Rome since 19 B.C. Although the Florentine architect Alessandro Galilei came out as the winner of the competition, local artist Nicola Salvi was awarded the commission.

Salvi promptly started the development work of the huge Baroque fountain. Inspired by a unique Bernini design, which was never deployed, the work of Salvi introduced many interpretative elements like huge pilasters and columns, a powerful figurine of Oceanus with his shell-shaped carriage pulled by seahorses, and cascading waters. After the death of Salvi in the year 1751, Trevi Fountain finally reached its completed state in the year 1762 by architect Giovanni Pannini. A restoration project of 17 months financed by the fashion brand Fendi got over in the year 2015, getting the shimmering white splendor of the fountain back.   

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Construction and Design of Trevi Fountain

The way the majestic Trevi Fountain looks now varies profoundly from how it looked in the times gone by. Pope Urban VIII showed his dissatisfaction with the fountain’s former version and claimed that it is short of drama, in the year 1629. The Pope then hired renowned artist and architect, Gian Lorenzo Bernini for renovating the fountain. However, the project closed after the death of Pope Urban and the renovation work was left incomplete.

In the year 1730, Pope Clement XII organized a contest that announced a unique prize. Anyone who won the contest was supposed to be commissioned for redesigning Trevi Fountain. Alessandro Galilei happened to be the actual winner, but the public was angry as a Florentine artist got selected. In order to calm the masses down, Nicola Salvi, the contestant at the 2nd place was awarded.

Soon Salvi started redesigning Trevi Fountain against the background setting of Palazzo Poli, with the unique theme “Taming of the Waters”. The sea reef and facade of the fountain were built of travertine and the figurines were made of Carrara marble. Unluckily Salvi took his last breath before he could witness the completed version of his spectacular masterpiece. Giuseppe Pannini took the project into his hands in the year 1751 and completed the same in the year 1762. The completed Trevi Fountain happens to be Rome’s largest Baroque fountain with a height of 26.3 meters and width of 49.15 meters.    

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Coin Throwing in Trevi Fountain

Coin throwing in Trevi Fountain is followed as an old ritual, which is believed to bring good luck. While some tourists engage in this activity out of custom, others do it for fun. As legend has it, a coin thrown into Trevi Fountain promises your return to the city of Rome, a 2nd coin thrown into the fountain guarantees you will find true love in Italy, and a 3rd coin thrown into the water assures your marriage with an Italian.

According to the custom, you need to toss the coin in the right manner to get the assured luck. You need to stand with your back facing the fountain and with your right hand, toss the coin over the left shoulder. Owing to the popular coin tossing activity carried out here, a huge sum of money gets accumulated in Trevi Fountain. Over 3,000 euros get collected from the water at the end of each day. This money goes for charity and is ultimately used for providing services to the less fortunate families of Rome. A small portion of this amount is also used for subsidizing a low price supermarket.

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The Statues of Trevi Fountain

Just like every piece of art, Trevi Fountain also conveys a story. All the statues placed in this fountain are metaphorical, each one manifesting and sharing a particular concept. In the middle of this fountain there is a figurine of Oceanus, standing underneath a large triumphal arch. Right before him, two seahorses are pulling his chariot, one docile and one wild just like the different moods of a sea. The horses are being led by two Tritons with the older one holding a shell for announcing their passage. 

The figurine of Abundance is placed on the left side of the triumphal arch. She is carrying a “horn of plenty” with a tumbled vase lying near her feet. The relief right above her demonstrates Agrippa ordering the generals to construct the aqueduct. On the right side of the triumphal arch there is the figurine of Health. She is wearing a wreath and holding a bowl from where a snake is drinking.

The relief right above her demonstrates a virgin woman indicating the water source to soldiers. Atop the fountain one can witness 4 figurines, each positioned on a pillar. The statues demonstrate the advantageous effects that rain has on the fertility of the Earth and the important produces, which need water supply.

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Facts to know about Trevi Fountain

History has a number of popular facts associated with the world-famous Trevi Fountain. That said, here are some of the important facts any traveler to the place will like to know:

1. Trevi Fountain is huge- With a height and width of 85 feet and 65 feet respectively, Trevi Fountain happens to be Rome’s largest Baroque fountain. The structure along with its piazza consumes almost a whole city block.  

2. Trevi Fountain makes use of a lot of water- Trevi Fountain produces around 21123490.91 gallons of water everyday. However, all the water is recycled and nothing gets wasted.

3. The statues portray Tritons and Gods- The center part of Trevi Fountain portrays a figurine of Oceanus getting pulled by a carriage of 2 seahorses. Two Tritons are showcased leading the seahorses on both sides with one of them holding a shell for announcing their arrival. There is a figurine of Abundance on the left side of the primary arch, whereas a figurine of Health is positioned on the right side.

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Tips for Visiting Trevi Fountain

There are some important things every visitor needs to keep in mind when visiting the Trevi Fountain. Here are some of the top tips you should follow if you are paying a visit to this popular tourist place in Italy: 

1. Consider visiting Trevi Fountain in the morning as well as at night. You will be totally surprised to see how spectacular the fountain looks after evening.

2. Consider taking care of your belongings as there are chances of you losing your valuables to pickpockets in the crowd, if you are not alert.

3. It can be very difficult to avoid the crowds. So, if you want to take a good picture of the fountain, consider visiting the place right after sunrise. Do not swim, put your feet into the water, or get yourself seated on any portion of the structure. Such activities are prohibited and any defaulter can be fined heavily.

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Attractions near Trevi Fountain

A plethora of popular tourist attractions are located at a proximate distance to the Trevi Fountain. Here are some of the important places you’ll like to flock to right after visiting the fountain: 

1. The Mausoleum of Augustus- Located at an approximate distance of around 3.1 kilometers from Trevi Fountain, the Mausoleum of Augustus was built in 28 BCE. This circular structure had a height of 44 meters and diameter of 88 meters. The very first individual buried here was Augustus’s nephew, Marcellus and the last individual buried here was Emperor Nerva.

At present, the Mausoleum of Augustus is in ruins and the only thing that has sustained the test of time is the monument’s brick core. The place is visited by many pilgrims as well as history fanatics everyday.

2. Piazza Navona- Situated at a distance of only 4.4 kilometers from Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona happens to be one of the most charming squares of central Rome. Paved in the fifteenth century, this place has hosted the main market of the city for around 300 years.

Packed with colorful street arts and showy fountains, Piazza Navona entices thousands of visitors each day. The major centrepiece of this place is the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, which is a spectacular fountain manifesting amazing personifications of Nile, Plate, Danube, and Ganges rivers.

3. The Pantheon- Lying at a walkable distance of only 15 minutes from Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon is counted among ancient Rome’s best-preserved monuments. Built between 126 and 128 A.D., this structure manifests an impressive rotunda with an elegant domed ceiling.

The amazing design of the Pantheon has influenced the architecture of a number of structures across Europe. 

4. The Spanish Steps- Located at a 6 minutes walking distance from Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps happen to be a collection of steps, built between the Piazza Trinita dei Monti and the Piazza di Spagna.

Lying at the old city centre’s eastern end, these steps form a spectacular sight to marvel at. With a host of talented artists painting the portraits of visitors at the topmost area of the Spanish Steps, this place entices painters, artists, and poets from across the globe.

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