The Roman Influence of Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain is an iconic landmark located in Rome, Italy that is renowned for its distinctive Baroque architectural style, its placement in the heart of Rome, and its role in movies, literature, and artwork. The fountain was built in the 18th century to mark the end of the ancient Acqua Vergine aqueduct. This monument has since become a major attraction for tourists from all around the world. The beauty of this fountain lies in its combination of art, engineering, and history, which are all key elements that help explain why Trevi Fountain is so famous.
The main feature of the fountain is a giant, towering sculpture of the Roman god Oceanus being pulled by two enormous sea horses driven by Tritons. Below the main sculpture, figures of health and abundance hover as angels sprinkle coins. This ornate sculpture is what truly sets the Trevi Fountain apart as a work of art and symbol of antiquity. The use of classical symbolism and intricate design make the fountain a true wonder to behold.
The colossal size of the sculpture speaks to the engineering feats behind the Trevi Fountain. The fountain is 26.3 metres (86.3 feet) high and 49.15 metres (161.3 feet) wide. This makes it one of the largest fountains in Rome and the world. It is also built from travertine blocks which enhance its grandeur. The engineering behind the construction of the fountain shows the mastery of the art of masonry.
Unraveling the tradition and history of the Trevi Fountain reveals why it is so famous among tourists and locals alike. One of the most infamous legends about the fountain is that throwing a coin into it is said to ensure a guaranteed return trip to Rome. This story is believed to have started in the 1950s when the legendary romantic film, La Dolce Vita, was released. This movie featured the Trevi Fountain prominently, and is said to be the origin of the legend. The fountain is also known as a place of love and romance as it not only has appeared in multiple films but has also been the backdrop to many a romantic proposal.
Being a major attraction of the city, the Trevi Fountain boasts an incredible streak of visitors throughout the day, regardless of the season. Many tourists have even made the fountain their sole reason for travelling to Rome. Documenting a visit to the fountain is also a must for any tourist. Postcards, photographs, and videos can be found with the Trevi Fountain featured in the background. Overall, the Trevi Fountain brings out everyone’s inner romantic and passion for discovering Italian history.
The Surrounding Area of Trevi Fountain
Surrounding the Trevi Fountain is Piazza di Trevi, a picturesque square surrounded by many notable buildings such as Palazzo Poli. This palace is famous for its decoration, features statues of gods and goddesses, and currently houses the offices of the luxe Italian fashion house Fendi. There are other statues nearby, such as Fontana della Barcaccia, which is dedicated to a flood of the Tiber. This smaller fountain, located at the foot of the Spanish Steps, adds to the splendor of the area. All of the sights add beauty to this Roman landscape and are perfect for a calming stroll, which always draws a large crowd.
Piazza di Trevi also happens to feature many of the city’s finest restaurants, gelaterias, and souvenir shops. These establishments are essential for any tourist who wants to experience the Italian way of life. Authentic Italian food can be found in these restaurants ranging from the country-style pastas to a variety of pizzas and sandwiches. While there, tourists must also enjoy one of the best-known desserts; Gelato! These establishments always have queues of tourists waiting to get some of the finest Italian gelato.
The area also has numerous souvenir shops packed with memorabilia such as postcards, t-shirts, photos, and other souvenirs. Some even have exclusive handmade items such as jewelry and artwork. The souvenirs represent the spirit of the city and Trevi Fountain, keeping memories alive for the tourists who visit.
The Legend of Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain has a special place within the hearts of Italians, as there exists many legends that involve this landmark. One of the most popular believes that any person who unexpectedly finds a coin in the Trevi Fountain originates from the same city as the Trevi Fountain. This is because the coins in the fountain were originally put there by numerous generations of Romans. In doing so, each generation tied their fate to the fate of the city by placing their luck and treasure into the fountain.
Another popular belief is that it is impossible to wish for love at the Trevi Fountain without a coin. Throwing a gold coin into the fountain symbolizes searching for someone special, while a silver coin symbolizes finding the right person. This legend has been immortalized in multiple movies, and has made love one of the main attractions of the fountain. Tourists often come in large crowds to make wishes of love at the Trevi Fountain.
Finally, there is also the legend of the three coins. It is said that throwing three coins into the Trevi Fountain will provide a guarantee to come back to Rome at some point in life. This legend turns the Trevi Fountain into a place of hope, as many people make this wish by throwing the coins into the fountain. Whether the legend is true or not is uncertain, but it has become an essential tradition for anyone who visits Rome.
The Money from Trevi Fountain
All of the coins left in the Trevi Fountain are not wasted, as each of them is collected, stored, and donated annually to Caritas, a Catholic charity in Rome. This charity provides assistance to the homeless and disadvantaged people of Rome. All of the coins collected at the Trevi Fountain, as well as other fountains around the city, are gathered in an event known as “Questua” and all the money collected goes towards providing food, shelter, and clothing to those who need it the most.
The fountain also raised €1.4million in 2017 alone, every centawent to Caritas.It was reported that a total of €2.2 Millions had been raised over the last three years. This figure shows how generous and helpful the contributions of tourists are and how popular Trevi Fountain is for tourists and locals.
The donation of the coins to charity is a great example of the kind of impact the Trevi Fountain has had on Rome. Not only does it bring in tourists and money but it is also used to help the locals who are in need of help. It demonstrates the positive impact that this monument has had over the years.
Visiting Trevi Fountain
Considering the size and popularity of the fountain, it’s no surprise that it is always packed with tourists throughout the day. Well, the best time to visit Trevi Fountain is at night when it is lit up to bring out its beauty and grandeur. This time of the day brings out its true essence and allows tourists to have a peaceful walk around the fountain.
Moreover, it is important to mention that the Trevi Fountain is still a functioning fountain. Thus, it is completely understandable that the area around the fountain can get a bit wet and slippery, so visitors should take precaution when exploring.
Also, as per local custom, it is considered disrespectful to sit on the edges of the fountain or climb it. The fountain is a symbol of historical significance, so it is essential to respect the culture of the area.
When visiting, it is essential to keep the surroundings clean and tidy. Pick up any rubbish and do not throw anything into the fountain. The fountain is protected by the Italian government and has a strong team of maintenance staff who work hard to clean and preserve the fountain. Respect their hard work and take pride in keeping the fountain the beautiful attraction it is today.
The Preservation of Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain was officially declared a national monument in 2001 and is kept under protection from the permanent police force surrounding it. This protection also extends to the preservation of the fountain by performing routine maintenance on its structure. The Trevi Fountain is constantly serviced to keep up its appearance. This ensures that it will remain a prominent landmark for generations to come.
The fountain is also an important feature for the local culture and arts. Multiple festivals and events take place at the surrounding area. Additionally, it is a popular destination for filmmakers, photographers, and other creatively-inclined people. This further shows the significance of this impressive fountain and its indispensable place in Roman culture.
There have also been various projects that have been implemented to preserve this monument through the centuries. The current project underway is focused on completely restoring the original 18th century architecture. This is done through rigorous cleaning and the implementation of modern and innovative techniques. The result is a spectacular monument that will stand the test of time and be cherished by generations to come.
The Cultural Importance of Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain represents much more than just a major landmark for tourism in Rome. It is a symbol that has transcended culture and time. It stands for the culture and values of the Italian people and their noble nature. The Trevi Fountain symbolizes love and enduring hope in the face of adversity. It is also a testament to the strength of Roman engineering and architecture. All of these aspects make the Trevi Fountain one of the most renowned monuments in the world.
Many people travel to Rome just to see the Trevi Fountain, and some even leave coins in it as a sign of their faith. The Trevi Fountain, along with other landmarks throughout the country, represent Rome’s long, inspiring history and its future promise. The combination of breathtaking artistry, extensive engineering, and unique history make the Trevi Fountain one of the most recognizable places in the world today.
From the legends to the coins, the Trevi Fountain is proof that history, culture and faith can go together and create something that will inspire generations to come. For the Italians, this is a source of pride and one of their most cherished monuments.
