Review of Fontana di Trevi

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The Trevi Fountain was mostly unknown by tourists until the success of the film "Three Coins in a Fountain".

Lucky coin throwing ......

Among those who are unaware that the "three coins" were thrown by three different individuals, a reported current legend is that it is lucky to throw coins with one's right hand over one's right shoulder into the Trevi Fountain.

The legend of the coin throwing is actually that if you throw one coin, you are ensured a return to Rome; two coins to get married; and three to get divorced!

It may not be the most beautiful fountain in Rome but it is without doubt the most famous. You can go there at any time of the day or night and it would be always full of people. Located in the heart of Rome’s historic centre, the Trevi Fountain derives its name from its position at the intersection of three roads (tre vie). It is a poular meeting or gathering spot for Romans and vistors alike.

The imaginative concept, the theatrical composition, the sober and imposing beauty of the sculptured marble figures make it a true masterpiece both of sculpture and of architecture. Pietro da Cortona and above all Bernini, who began the undertaking, both had a hand in the project. The death of Pope Urban VIII brought work to a standstill and it was not until about a hundred years later that Clement XII entrusted the work to Nicola Salvi, who finished the undertaking between 1732 and 1751.

The fountain is highly symbolic with intellectual connotations. A tall and sober Arch of Triumph (the palace of Neptune) dominates the scene from on high. It is comprised of an order of four Corinthian columns and is surmounted by an attic with statues and a balustrade. A large niche at the centre of the arch lends balance and symmetry to the whole ensemble. A smaller-niche to the left contains the statue of Abundance by F. Valle, and above this is a fine relief depicting Agrippa approving the plans for the Aqueduct by Andrea Bergondi. The niche on the right contains the figure of Salubrity, also by F. Valle, with a relief above of the Virgin showing soldiers the Way, by G. B. Grossi.

The central niche seems to impart movement to the imposing figure of Neptune who firmly guides a chariot drawn by sea horses, known as the « agitated » horse and the « placid horse », names obviously derived from the way in which the two animals have been represented. As they gallop over the water, the horses are guided in their course by fine figures of tritons which emerge from the water and which were sculptured by P. Bracci in 1762. The setting all around consists of rocks.

For many , the 1st thing they think of when Rome is mentioned is the sumptuous Trevi Fountain .

They only know of it from movies seen or books read. They have probably heard the legend that whoever drinks the water or throws a coin into the fountain, that person will, no doubt, return to Rome. What they might not know is that Agrippa brought the water for this fountain, which is Virgin Water, to Rome by means of an aqueduct. It is thought that soldiers of Agrippa were looking for water in the country, & they met a maiden who showed them the source of this pure water (hence, it is called Virgin Water.) On the right side of the Fountain is a bas-relief that represents this story. Now, the bas-relief on the left shows Agrippa explaining to Augustus his plan to bring this pure water to Rome. In 1991, Trevi Fountain went through a complete restoration & supposedly has been brought back to its original splendor.

I did not know until I saw it that the fountain is really a facade of a large palace that is decorated with bas-reliefs on heaps of rocks with statues scattered about as water rushes & gushes from almost every part of this facade. I love the figures on this fountain such as the Roman God, Neptune & his Seahorses. The Trevi Fountain supposedly represents the two sides of the sea: Serene & Tumultuous. On the lower level of the fountain, a young girl can be seen, and her name is Trivia. Most historians think that the Fountain was probably named after her; thus, The Trevi Fountain. This fountain is very difficult to photograph unless you have a widescreen lens. That is why my photo is only a portion of the entire fountain. Another problem is the crowds of people who are also trying to take photographs.

Myself & Priya made sure that we saw this famous fountain both in the sunlight & the moonlight. By the way, it's way more romantic &much less crowded by moonlight!