Trevi Fountain Overview
The Trevi Fountain is a spectacular feat of Baroque architecture and it stands as one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. Located in the historic center of Rome, it has been carefully preserved and is a national treasure of Italy. The Trevi Fountain was built during the 18th century and is the largest fountain in the city of Rome. Its unique design and intricate carvings make it one of the most admired baroque structures in the world. It stands at the termination of the ancient Aqua Virgo, the historic aqueduct that carries water to the area.
The notion of a fountain in this location has been around since Ancient Roman times, when a simple wall fountain was built in 19 B.C. by then-emperor Agrippa. The current design of the Trevi Fountain was created by Italian artist Nicola Salvi, who won a competition in 1732. It took a further three decades for the design to be realized, due to financial constraints, and the fountain was finally completed in 1762.
What the Trevi Fountain Made of?
The Trevi Fountain is made up of a mix of marble and stone, with intricately-carved sculptures. The majority of the structure is crafted out of Travertine limestone, which is seen as the typical architectural material in Rome. The fountain also includes an array of carvings, which are made out of marble. The central figure of the Trevi Fountain is Neptune, the God of Water, and is carved out of the pink marble Salviati.
The topmost part of the fountain features a chariot pulled by two sea horses, one representing calmness and the other representing chaos. Additional sculptures on the fountain include depictions of tritons and other marine deities. The composition is framed by statues, staircases and architectural elements, each of them meticulously carved and crafted. There are also smaller but equally detailed sculptures of gods and goddesses that can be found on the fountain.
Symbolic Meaning
The Trevi Fountain is not simply an ornate piece of architecture, but it also has significant symbolic meaning. As its name implies, the Trevi Fountain has a strong connection with the Trevi district. The word “Trevi” actually originates from Latin, and it means “triple street”. The fountain is also symbolic of the renewal of life, as it is situated at the termination of the Aqua Virgo. Thus it is interpreted to be a representation of the cycle of life.
The flowing of the water also has a strong connection with human life and growth, as it is believed to represent the flow between life and death. According to ancient mythology, the water at the Trevi Fountain was believed to be connected with the afterlife and, as such, was believed to represent a link between the earth and the divine realm.
Maintenance & Preservation
The Trevi Fountain is maintained and preserved by the city of Rome and is under the constant surveillance of its experts. The fountain is inspected annually and cleaned more often as needed, to ensure it remains as pristine as possible for years to come. Any damaged carvings are either repaired or replaced with replicas that accurately reflect the original design. In order to prevent the fountain from being inundated by tourists, the city has also installed metal barriers.
The water from the fountain is recycled and carefully treated before it is reintroduced into the fountain. The number of people who gather at the fountain to observe it or take photographs has been strictly limited, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Trevi Fountain has held its status as one of the most iconic fountains and monuments in the world, and its preservation is an integral part of Italian culture.
What People Think about the Trevi Fountain?
The Trevi Fountain has been admired for centuries and continues to be a draw for tourists from all over the world. People from all walks of life find the Trevi Fountain to be inspiring, beautiful and a source of peace. For many, the fountain is an opportunity to reconnect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of their daily lives.
Experienced travelers often comment on the sheer beauty of the Trevi Fountain, with most marveling at the intricacies and details of the design. Some consider it to be an awe-inspiring example of Italian creativity and skill, while others believe it to be a powerful reminder of the sacredness of water and how important it is to our daily lives.
The Trevi Fountain is also an opportunity to enter into a dialogue with locals and to learn more about Roman history. The locals have a deep connection to their ancestral sites and many of them will be more than happy to share stories and insights about their beloved fountain.
Symbolism for Tossing Coins
The Trevi Fountain is also known for the tradition of tossing coins from its basin. The tradition dates back to as early as the 11th century, though it gained popularity during the 17th century. It is said that tossing coins into the fountain will bring luck and a successful return trip (or first-time trip) to Rome. It is estimated that over 3,000€ is tossed into the Trevi Fountain each day, with all of the funds being collected and donated to charities.
The tradition of tossing coins has become so iconic that it is now seen as a worldwide symbol of Rome and of the fountain itself. Some tourists even toss coins into the fountain before they leave, in a sign of gratitude and respect for this monument that has stood the test of time.
Myths and Legends Surrounding the Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain has been the subject of many myths and legends throughout the centuries. Many of these are connected to the fountain’s power to bring luck, especially to travelers. One legend says that if you toss a coin from the left-hand side of the fountain and make a wish, it will come true one day.
Another legend is that if you toss two coins into the fountain (one to represent your current status, one to represent your future) your wish will come true. Still, another legend is that if you toss a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder, any wish you make will come true. Some also believe that if a married couple tosses a coin together, their marriage will be blessed with everlasting love.
Conclusion
The Trevi Fountain has long been the focus of tourists from all over the world, a testament to its history and its ongoing impact. It stands as an iconic reminder of the incredible history of Rome, and its intricate design and stunning sculptures can only be described as awe-inspiring. For locals and travelers alike, the Trevi Fountain represents an opportunity to connect with nature, learn about the past and even make wishes for the future.
