Fontana di Trevi 1
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Fontana di Trevi

The Fontana di Trevi, one of the most famous fountains in the world and the largest in Rome, was built between 1732 and 1762, by Nicola Salvi, commissioned by Pope Clement XII. It took 30 years to build, as there were often financing problems and Salvi, due to his perfectionist approach, had parts of the rocky landscape rebuilt several times.

The fountain is fed by the Aqua Virgo. It is one of the eleven aqueducts that have supplied the city of Rome and is the only one that still carries water without interruption. On the upper reliefs of the fountain, the history of the aqueduct is shown.

The one on the right shows the legend that led to the discovery of the spring. In the first century B.C., when the soldiers of Agrippa were in the field near the Via Collatina, they were looking for water. They met a girl who led them to the spring, which was then called Aqua Vergine.

The relief on the left shows Consul Agrippa presenting the plan for the construction of the aqueduct to Emperor Augustus. Thereupon, in 19 BC, the 21 km long pipeline was built.

The huge composition depicts Okeano, the Titan of the primeval stream, in the middle. Next to them are the personifications of abundance (Abundantia) and health (Salubritas), which emphasize the quantity and quality of the water. It is accompanied by two tritons, which lead two sea horses. While one seahorse is calm, the other is wild and is difficult to tame. This symbolizes the contrasting temperaments of the sea. Six alleys lead to the fountain. The crystal clear water gushes out of all corners and angles and the water murmur can be heard from far away.

While the fountain has an excellent water quality and according to a custom, everyone who drinks from it, will later return to Rome. Today, to protect the monument, it is strictly forbidden to touch the water. Thus the tradition has changed and it is enough to throw a coin into the basin with the right technique. The coin must be thrown into the fountain with the right hand over the left shoulder.

The fontana, illuminated at night, is an enchanting view not to be missed.

Fontana di Trevi

Fontana di Trevi (Rome)