FONTANA DI TREVI
The mythical fountain of Rome, famous thanks to by Fellini. Remember to throw a coin in it, as tradition dictates!
It's one of the most mythical places in Rome. Who doesn't know the scene from the film La Dolce Vita, where Anita Ekberg bathes in the basin of the Trevi Fountain while kissing Marcello Mastroianni? The Trevi Fountain, a Roman monument that will forever be part of cinema mythology, was created in the mid-18th century by sculptor Niccolo' Salvi. Pope Clement XII (1652-1740) had decided to replace an earlier, much simpler and narrower fountain, while integrating it into the16th-century palace overlooking the present-day piazza. The name Trevi derives from the fact that the square was located at the intersection of three streets, known in Latin as trivium. Since 19 B.C., the fountain has drawn its water from the Aqueduct of the Virgin Water(Acqua Vergine), built by Agrippa, Augustus' son-in-law, more than 20 kilometers from Rome. Elegantly supported on the façade of Palazzo Poli, statues and bas-reliefs seem to be perched above rocky masses, from which water gushes out on all sides. The bas-relief on the right tells the story of the fountain's source, while on the left, Agrippa can be seen presenting Augustus with the plan for his aqueduct. In the center stands the statue of the god Ocean, surrounded by the allegories of Abundance and Salubrity. The former holds the Horn of Plenty filled with fruit, while the latter carries the staff of Aesculapius, god of medicine, a reminder that water gives life and health.
Tip : visit early in the morning or late at night!
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