Trevi Fountain – An Overview
Trevi Fountain, located in the Trevi district of Rome, Italy, is a renowned Baroque fountain and one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the city. It is believed to have been designed by the renowned Italian architect Nicola Salvi and was completed in 1762. The fountain stands 26.3 metres tall, has a width of 49.15 metres, and is located at the intersection of three roads, hence the name Trevi. The Trevi Fountain is built from Travertine stone and is known for its intricate sculptures and figures.
The fountain is notable for its superstitious history, with many tourists liking to toss coins into the water for good luck. It is estimated that up to 3,000 euros are thrown into the fountain every day. The money is collected by the municipality, who uses it for a variety of charitable causes. The Trevi Fountain is featured in several films, most notably ‘La Dolce Vita’ by Federico Fellini, and is subject to major renovation works every so often.
History
Trevi Fountain is rich in history in both figurative and literal sense. It has been around for centuries, being originally commissioned in 19 BC by Marcus Agrippa and Augustus, to commemorate their military victory. The site of the fountain was chosen due to its proximity to the Aqua Virgo, the aqueduct which supplied water to the city’s public baths. Construction of the current Trevi Fountain began in 1732 and took 30 years, with architect Nicola Salvi taking the lead from 1732 to 1762.
The Trevi Fountain quickly became a beloved monument and symbol of Rome, gracing the cover of postcards and books, and was depicted in numerous works and films, such as the iconic ‘La Dolce Vita’. The Trevi Fountain remains popular to this day, with thousands of tourists visiting each year, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world.
Cultural Symbolism
The Trevi Fountain is not only an important symbol of Italian culture and history, but also of Roman mythology. The statues of myths and gods which adorn the fountain were created to tell a story, which is reflective of the Roman history and mythology. The central figure is Oceanus, the god of the sea, surrounded by four sculptures representing Abundance, Salubrity, Health and Fertility. There are also sculptures of Neptune, Hercules defeating the giant Cacus, a shell supported by Tritons, and a symbolic dove.
It is easy to see why the Trevi Fountain has become such a beloved symbol due to its intricate details, many of which are inspired by the Pantheon, making it a true work of art.
Design and Construction
The Trevi Fountain is a classic example of Baroque architecture and was designed by Nicola Salvi with the help of several skilled artists and stonemasons. The designs for the fountain were influenced by the Pantheon, which is visible in the way the columns are arranged and the various figures which adorn the fountain. All of the materials used to construct the Trevi Fountain were sourced from local quarries, including the star-shaped marble stones, as well as Travertine, which was used to create the terrace and pedestal where the figures stand.
The Trevi Fountain is a complex feat of engineering, with up to 85,000 litres of water flowing through it every hour. The source of this water is the Destra river, which is used to power the fountain and its many sculptures.
Restoration
The Trevi Fountain is subjected to considerable wear and tear due to its sheer popularity. Every so often, the municipality of Rome will undertake a major restoration project to repair and improve the fountain, with much of this work being funded by the coins which are thrown into the fountain. The restoration projects may take several months, but are essential to preserving the fountain for years to come.
In 2001, the fountain underwent a major overhaul, with the entire fountain being drained and cleaned and the sculptures being restored. Further restoration work was carried out in 2018, with a focus on improving the flow of the water and enhancing its environmental sustainability.
Popular Culture
The Trevi Fountain has become renowned beyond the city of Rome due to its many appearances in popular culture. Movies such as ‘La Dolce Vita’ and ‘Three Coins in the Fountain’ have featured the Trevi Fountain, while the influence of the fountain can be seen in many other films and works of art. It is also featured in television shows, video games, books, and songs.
The Trevi Fountain has become a major tourist attraction, with thousands of tourists visiting it each year. The popularity of the fountain has continued to grow in recent years, with a special lighting system from LEDs being installed to display the fountain in its most majestic state.
Ecological Impact
The Trevi Fountain has become a popular destination for local and international tourists, resulting in a high footfall in the area. Unfortunately, this can have a detrimental effect on the environment, with tourists dumping litter into the fountain and the surrounding area. To counteract this, the municipality of Rome has installed a system which filters the water used by the fountain, and rubbish bins in the vicinity of the fountain to encourage tourists to dispose of their waste properly.
Furthermore, with the fountain drawing in large crowds, traffic congestion in the area has become an issue. To address this, the municipality has implemented a vehicular restriction, limiting the number of vehicles allowed in the vicinity of the fountain.
Interaction with Tourists
The Trevi Fountain has become a popular tourist attraction in Rome, due to its intricate designs and its superstitious symbolism. Tourists from all over the world flock to the fountain, some to make wishes, some to explore its history, and some just for a photo opportunity. Locals and tourists alike can be seen at the fountain, throwing coins in for good luck or taking a selfie with the fountain as the backdrop.
However, the Trevi Fountain is still a work of art, and the municipality of Rome has reminded tourists to appreciate the fountain and interact with it responsibly. The municipality often patrols the area to ensure that tourists are following the rules and not defacing the fountain.
Conclusion
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most beloved and iconic tourist attractions in the world. Located in the Trevi district of Rome, it has become renowned for its intricate sculptures and its superstitious symbolism. The fountain has a long history stretching over centuries, and has been the subject of films, books, and works of art. It is also subject to periodic renovations, due to its popularity, with its latest overhaul in 2018.
The fountain has also become an important symbol of Roman culture and mythology, with many figures and sculptures represented in the design. Despite its popularity, it is important to remember to treat the fountain with respect and to interact with it responsibly.
