Background Information
The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most iconic attractions located in the city’s Trevi district. It is the largest fountain in Rome, created by artist Nicola Salvi in 1732 AD, and it remains the city’s most visited and photographed attraction today. Constructed at the junction of three roads, the fountain’s façade overlooks the picturesque ruin of the ancient Roman aqueduct while its back wall acts as the beginning point of the Acqua Vergine, the modern day aqueduct supplying the city’s water supply. Over the centuries, it has become one of the most iconic baroque masterpieces of all time, celebrated for its beauty and symbolism. Through the ages, millions of visitors to the fountain have made wishes, tossed coins into the fountain, and partaken in the tradition of good luck for the future.
Data and Perspectives from Experts
The Trevi Fountain is grand in scale, measuring a height of 26.3 metres and a width of 49.15 metres. The design of the fountain consists of a large travertine pedestal with three levels and a centre arch, featuring dramatic statues of gods and goddesses, representing abundance and beauty. The central figure is Neptune, the Roman god of water, surrounded by allegories of health, abundance and fertility. According to a recent survey, the Trevi Fountain attracts up to 4,000 visitors every hour and is a popular site for movies and television. Expert historians, meanwhile, believe that the fountain’s design is symbolic of Rome’s turbulent past.
Analysis and Insights
The Trevi Fountain derives its name from the Latin ‘tri-via’, meaning ‘three ways’, due to the intricate intersection of the roads nearby. Throughout the ages, it has become an iconic meeting spot for couples, a significant tourist destination, and a place of luck for many locals. One of the most frequently asked questions about the fountain is ‘Can I drink from the Trevi Fountain?’ and the answer is no! In fact, Trevi Fountain is surrounded by a padlocked chain, in order to prevent anyone from entering the fountain and swimming in it. Locals have been known to joke about the chain, suggesting that the Trevi Fountain isn’t an actual fountain, but rather an ‘enchanted’ swimming pool!
Impact on Rome’s Culture
The Trevi Fountain’s influence is far-reaching and it has become an integral part of Rome’s culture and identity. In 2014, Roman authorities implemented a€2.3 million renovation on the fountain, which included a handcarved restoration of sculptures, and the fountain is now lit up in the evenings by powerful underwater lighting. In 2013, the Trevi Fountain held a Guinness World Record as the most visited fountain in the world, with an estimated 3,000 coins being thrown into the fountain each day.
Tourism
Being the most visited attraction in Rome, the Trevi Fountain enjoys a tremendous surge of tourists on an annual basis. It is estimated that over 4 million people visit the site each year, and the economic impact of the fountain’s tourism on the country is significant. The coins that are thrown into the fountain are actually collected on a daily basis by the local authorities. Approximately €3 million is collected every year and is donated to a number of charitable causes.
Symbolism
The Trevi Fountain has always served as a symbol of good fortune and progress for the people of Rome. The tradition of throwing coins into the fountain began in the 19th century, and it’s believed that those who toss coins into the fountain will return to Rome someday and be blessed with good luck. Today, the fountain serves as a reminder of history and a symbol of progress for Rome and its people.
Legacy
The Trevi Fountain is a part of Italian culture, and its legacy will remain with Roman generations to come. Its intricate beauty and symbolism serve as a reminder of the power and influence of art, while its sheer size and grandeur are a testament to the greatness that Rome once possessed. From local visitors to tourists alike, the Trevi Fountain symbolizes the spirit of Rome and its ongoing legacy.
Controversy
The Trevi Fountain has not been immune to controversy over the years. In 2015, the decorations of the fountain were stolen and its sculptures were vandalized, leaving behind an ugly sight. The incident sparked outrage among locals and it caused the city to implement a series of security measures to protect the fountain.
Modernization
Most recently, the Trevi Fountain has been renovated, and the surrounding square has undergone a dramatic transformation. In 2018, the redesign of the area was completed, and the fountain was brought to life thanks to the addition of modernistic lighting. The fountain has now been restored to its full potential and it is considered to be a symbol of progress for Rome.
In 2020, the world experienced a global pandemic in the form of the coronavirus. As a result, visitations to the fountain have temporarily been halted. However, the city of Rome is slowly beginning to re-open, and it is hoped that soon the Trevi Fountain will once again be a vibrant site of both locals and tourists alike.
