No visit to Rome is complete without a trip to see The Trevi Fountain ( Fontana di Trevi ). The fountain is, without doubt, one of the most visited attractions in the whole of Italy and probably the most famous fountain in the world.
This was our first visit to see this beautiful fountain. We have both seen pictures and scenes containing it in films over the years but neither does it justice. You really do have to visit in person to admire the fountain in its full, magnificent glory.
The main surprise for us was its location. The fountain is not in the middle of a grand square which is often the case for the many fountains to be found in Rome. In fact, it is the largest fountain in Rome squeezed into one of the smallest squares at the junction of three streets.
There are so many facts and legends about The Trevi Fountain – here are my top 15 –
1 – The Location?
The Trevi Fountain is very easy to find. It is situated in the Trevi district of Rome. A ten-minute walk from The Spanish Steps and a 15-minute walk from the Barberini Metro Station
2 – The Size?
The Trevi Fountain is the largest baroque fountain in Rome. It is 26.3 meters (86 ft) tall and 49.15 meters (161.3 ft) wide.
3 – How old?
It is thought that there has been a fountain on the site since 19BC.
The original fountain had fallen into a bad state of disrepair and in 1629, Pope Urban VIII wanted to see the fountain renovated. He started to ask architects and sculptures for design ideas but unfortunately died before anything became of his renovation project.
A century later, in 1730, Pope Clement XII rekindled the idea of renovating the fountain. This time the construction of The Trevi Fountain commenced.
The whole project took 32 years to complete and it was finally finished in 1762
4 – Style & Design?
When Pope Urban VIII had the original idea to renovate the fountain he awarded the commission to Gian Lorenzo Bernini, A famous Italian architect. Bernini is credited with having created the Baroque style of sculpture.
One hundred years after the original plans were abandoned Pope Clement XII gave a Poet, Nicola Salvi the new commission to design the fountain. Salvi kept many of the elements of Bernini’s original Baroque design.
Unfortunately, In 1751, when the construction of the fountain was only half-completed Salvi died so four more sculptors and another architect, Giuseppe Pannini were hired to finish the work
The Trevi Fountain was eventually completed in 1762.
5 – The name?
There are a number of ideas on where The Trevi Fountain gets its name. Its location on the junction of three streets probably gives us the answer. Two probable explanations are that ‘trivium’ is the Latin translation for ‘three streets’ or ‘tre vie‘ is the Italian translation for ‘three streets’
6 – The stone?
The Trevi Fountain is made from Travertine, a type of limestone. The same stone was also used to build the Colosseum. The Travertine for The Trevi Fountain came from the town of Tivoli, approximately 35 kilometres east of Rome.
7 – Neptune?
There is often confusion as to whom is the central figure in the fountain. It is often stated that he is Neptune, The God of the seas. However, the figure is actually that of Oceanus, another character from Greek mythology. He was the father of the river Gods.
8 – A film star?
Having made an appearance in many films over the years it can be said that The Trevi Fountain is almost a film star in its own right!
Films The Trevi Fountain have appeared in include –
- When in Rome ( 1952 )
- Roman Holiday ( 1953 )
- Three Coins in the Fountain ( 1954 )
- La Dolci Vita ( 1960 )
- The Lizzie McGuire movie ( 2003 )
- When in Rome ( 2010 )
- To Rome with love ( 2012 )
In 1996, in memory of the death of the actor Marcello Mastroianni, who starred in the film ‘La Dolce Vita’ the fountain was turned off and draped in black.
9 – How many coins to throw?
There are different stories as to the payback of throwing one or more coins into The Trevi fountain.
What seems to be agreed by all is that anyone that throws a single coin into the fountain guarantees that they will safely return to Rome at some time in the future.
A second legend is the one that inspired the film ‘ Three Coins in the Fountain’. As the title suggests, this says you must throw three coins in the fountain. The first is a guarantee of your return to Rome, the second leads to a new romance and the third will lead to marriage!
With this knowledge, it’s probably best for anyone that is already married to stick to throwing one coin only – let’s not tempt fate!
10 – Any coin throwing etiquette?
Most definitely yes! Don’t get it wrong or your coin is wasted!
Firstly, it is important that you have your back turned to the fountain when you throw your coin(s).
Secondly, you must throw with your right hand over your left shoulder to be sure to get your wish come true. – Good luck!
11 – How much money is thrown in?
As one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy and, with every visitor eager to throw at least one coin into The Trevi Fountain, it is estimated that €3000 – €3500 is thrown in every day!
12 – Where does all that money go?
The good news is by throwing your coin(s) into the fountain you are actually making a donation to charity. All cash collected is given to Caritas – a charitable organisation in Rome that helps the poor and homeless
13 – How much water is used?
The flow of water is constant and amounts to an amazing 80 million litres of water each day – thankfully that water is not wasted but recycled and used in other Roman fountains, including the one in front of the Spanish Steps.
14 – Can I take a dip?
Definitely not. There are always police present and anyone taking coins out or anyone jumping into the fountain can expect an on the spot fine of €500
15 – Anything else to consider?
Enjoy your visit but be very careful of your belongings. As much as The Trevi Fountain is a magnet for tourists. The huge amount of tourists is, unfortunately, also a magnet for pickpockets!
- Put nothing in back pockets.
- Use money belts/bum bags.
- wear rucksacks to your front.
- keep anything of value right at the bottom of your bag.
- keep zips zipped and buttons buttoned.
- use mini padlocks on rucksacks.
- Always be aware of anyone bumping into you.
Stay aware and don’t let a thief ruin your day.
Brings back memories of my visit to Rome, many years ago. I was with a group of friends to watch England play football against Italy. The English fans were locked in the stadium and the Italians kept throwing missiles including coins. We started singing “Three coins in your forehead”.
Anything Rome related always reminds me of this trip.
“Three coins in your forehead” haha !! – I didn’t have you down as an ex-football
hooligan Bernie!