Introduction
The Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain are two of the most renowned historical sites in Rome, Italy. Built by the Roman Empire thousands of years ago, they have continued to fascinate both locals and tourists alike. But have you ever wondered how far apart these two sites really are? In this article, we will provide an answer to this question and further discuss the history, cultural significance, and iconic features of these two astounding structures.
Distance Between The Colosseum and The Trevi Fountain
A straight roadway distance between the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain is approximately 1.2 miles. This equates to a 20 minute walk according to Google Maps. Of course, the actual walk would take much longer as one would likely wander off the path to take in the local sights and sounds of Rome.
History and Significance
The Colosseum, otherwise known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, was constructed between A.D. 70 and A.D. 80 as an arena for public events such as gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, executions and re-enactments of famous battles. It is the largest amphitheater ever built by the Roman Empire and has withstood the ravages of time for over two thousand years.
The Trevi Fountain is a Baroque-style fountain located in the heart of Rome. It was built in 1762 and is the largest Baroque fountain in the city. According to legend, it is believed that if a traveler throws a coin into the fountain, they will be destined to return to the beautiful city of Rome one day. For this reason, the Trevi Fountain is one of the most visited sites in all of Rome.
Iconic Features
The Colosseum is a sight to behold for those who appreciate architecture and engineering. Its exterior walls are made with travertine limestone and span over 157 feet tall and 625 feet wide. The stadium could accommodate an overwhelming 55,000 spectators who entered through more than seventy walkways.
On the other hand, the Trevi Fountain’s impressive size, crafting and details leave visitors awestruck. It is 85 feet tall and 65 feet wide, with the centerpiece being a sculpture of the sea god Neptune riding a massive shell chariot. The sculpture is accompanied by two other figures, a winged horse and a winged god Triton, spouting herding and taming wild sea creatures.
Restoration
In recent years, the Colosseum has been painstakingly restored in an effort to preserve its antiquated beauty. A project initially launched in 2016 to replace the metal walkways and exterior walls has resulted in a spectacularly remodeled marvel.
Similarly, the Trevi Fountain underwent a year-long restoration project in 2018. This project entailed removing the fountain’s stonework to strengthen the foundation and adding an artificial rock to the pool’s floor. The renovations have restored the fountain to its former glory, drawing even more tourists to this iconic site.
Environmental Impact
As a result of their historical significance, the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain are important landmarks that must be preserved for future generations. In recent years, architects and engineers have made great strides in utilizing tech solutions to reduce the environmental footprint of these sites. For example, the Colosseum has seen advancements in 50,000 LED floodlights, motion sensors and rainwater collection systems to conserve energy and reduce water consumption.
In addition, the Trevi Fountain is powered by renewable energy from the city’s new photovoltaic plant, which uses more than 1000 photovoltaic panels to generate electricity. This power is distributed to the fountain, providing ambient lighting at night and also eliminating environmental pollution.
Influence
The Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain are beloved sites in Rome that continue to symbolize the remarkable history of the city. Seeing these two sites inspires locals and tourists alike to become fascinated with the Roman Empire and its glorious architecture. These sites have been utilized in literature, films, television shows, and even video games, maintaining their influence to this day.
Environmental Protection
In order to protect these important historical landmarks, Rome has launched campaigns to discourage tourists from leaving their statues, graffiti and other forms of vandalism. In addition, in order to reduce the amount of waste, citizens are encouraged to bring their own water bottles and food, instead of purchasing plastic-wrapped refreshments near the sites.
Conclusion
The Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain are two integral parts of all of Rome’s history and culture. Not only have both of these structures withstood the test of time, they have also emerged more magnificent than before. As we honor these sites by understanding their influence and importance, let us also strive to ensure their preservation for future generations. By educating ourselves on the environmental impact these sites have, tourists can still come together and revel in their beauty, while ensuring their longevity.
