Rome is an undeniably beautiful city. Everywhere you look is a piece of history and culture. From exploring the history of Colosseum to touching the feet of St. Peter at the Basilica for blessings, there's a lot to do in the city. But no trip to Rome is complete without a trip to the Trevi Fountain. The fountain is stunning. And without a doubt, it is a must-visit place. But beyond its beauty, there's a touch of Roman history, symbolism, and tradition.
In this article, you'll learn five key Trevi Fountain facts that'll help you understand why this site is iconic.
A Brief Look at the Trevi Fountain History
As beautiful as it is, the Trevi Fountain history is equally intriguing. The fountain stands where an ancient Roman water source stood. The Aqua Virgo aqueduct was built in 19 BCE by Marcus Agrippa. And it's still functional today!
The Trevi Fountain is a modern wonder that connects to Rome's legendary history. If you have ever wondered how old is the Trevi Fountain, it is now over 260 years old. The fountain played a major role in the development of public spaces and infrastructure. Its Baroque design is inspired by Roman Forum architecture that combines mythological figures and symbolic gestures. It’s made of travertine stone, the same material used to build the Colosseum.
The Trevi Fountain was designed by Nicola Salvi based on the theme "taming the waters." Unfortunately, he did not live to see the completion. Who knew that later on, the fountain would be such a huge part of the famous movies La Dolce Vita and Roman Holiday?
If you are a Roman history enthusiast, use a detailed Roman Forum travel guide during your time in the city.
Some Interesting Trevi Fountain Facts
Even if you don't know anything about the Trevi Fountain, the landmark is an impressive site. Knowing the Trevi Fountain facts make it a really good spot on your itinerary for an experience of history.
1. The Main Statue is Oceanus, Not Neptune
It is a common misconception that the central statue on the Trevi Fountain is Neptune. But in fact, it is Oceanus, a titan from Greek mythology who represents all bodies of water. Oceanus rides in a shell-shaped chariot pulled by two seahorses, one calm and the other restless, representing the sea's unpredictability. He is surrounded by tritons and statues that symbolize abundance and health. This dramatic scene is characteristic of the Baroque period and reflects the storytelling found in Roman Forum architecture.
2. The Water Source Is Over 2,000 Years Old
One of the remarkable Trevi Fountain facts is that the Aqua Virgo aqueduct is still its main supply of water. Even though the aqueduct was built over 2,000 years ago, it is still a source of clean water to the fountain.
Advanced engineering is one of the major features of the ancient Roman infrastructure. It supports most Roman Forum tourist attractions and civic structures across the city. To learn more about how the city was built and sustained, visitors can take a self-guided walk using the Palatine Hill Audio Tour, which includes stops near the Trevi Fountain and Roman Forum.
4. Coins are Collected and Donated to Charity
Over 3000 Euros are thrown into the fountain each day. The tossing coin legend might not be true, but this is for sure: the coins thrown into the fountain are all used for donation to Caritas, a Catholic charity that supports food banks, shelters, and services for people in need. It's a simple tourist activity but impacts hundreds of lives around the city. Public service was an important aspect of life in ancient Rome, especially around major Roman Forum tourist attractions.
5. It Was a Fashion Restoration Project
The Italian fashion house Fendi stepped in to fund a full restoration in 2013. Pollution, aging materials, and continuous exposure to other elements caused damage to the fountain. The project cost 2.2 million Euros and was completed in 2015. Cleaning the travertine stone, repairing structural damage, and installing LED lighting enhance the fountain's appearance. The project is the reason it stands today and for future generations. To explore more of the ancient Roman culture, book a Colosseum Ticket & Digital Audio Guide to explore other attractions in the area.
Travel Tips for Visiting the Trevi Fountain
Here are some helpful tips to make your visit smooth and enjoyable.
- Visit early in the morning, before 8 AM, or late in the evening, after 9 PM.
- Bring a few euro coins for the tradition.
- Use a good camera or phone to capture memories of a lifetime.
- Wear comfortable shoes because there'll be a lot of walking.
- The Trevi Fountain is centrally located. You can easily explore nearby attractions to complete your Roman Forum history.
Conclusion
Knowing the Trevi Fountain facts makes visiting the place even more interesting. Rome is the city of experience. And not many people get this opportunity. The Trevi Fountain is a beautiful place to add to your itinerary. Not only is it an Instagrammable location, but it is also a monument of history, creativity, and culture. The Trevi Fountain is much more than what meets the eye, so why not see it for yourself?
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