Fontana di Trevi, or Trevi Fountain, is a magnificent outdoor fountain lodged in the Trevi district of Rome. With its distinct Renaissance charm set against the meticulously sculptured backdrop, there's no wonder that this Italy fountain has become one of the best tourist spots in the area. It stands more than 26 meters in height and spans less than 50 meters in width. The Trevi Fountain has been featured as a muse in art, film and literature, appearing in many classics due to its unfading beauty and thrilling history.
History and Intricate Sculptures of the Trevi Fountain
Two Italian geniuses wrought the fountain. Architect Nicola Salvi designed the grand monument, which was then completed by the Baroque sculptor Pietry Bracci, whose other works included the tomb for Benedict XIII and Benedict XIV. The fountain was commissioned by Pope Clement XII, who organized a contest for the best design. Nicola Salvi took home the crown in place of Alessandro Galilei—whose design was considered as the crowd's favorite.
In 1732, work began and it took 30 years for the fountain to be completed. Salvi died without seeing his work, but he did successfully remove a slight blemish: a barber’s sign, behind one of the sculpted vases. This vase was then called Asso di Coppe, or the ace of cups. Giuseppe Panini took Salve’s place in completing the task, and in 1762, the fountain was officially inaugurated by none other than Pope Clemens XIII. Since then, the Trevi Fountain has become one of the most outstanding landmarks in Rome.
Salve's winning design involved a story, victoriously translated in detailed stonework. The central figure is the god Oceanus, assisted by two Tritons. One successfully manages to tame a sea horse, while the other struggles to master his animal. This symbolizes the two extreme moods of the sea: a calm, quiet surface in contrast to the strong, roaring tides. Looking entirely like a marbled stage set, one of the reliefs picture out a young virgin girl, pointing to the spring where the water flows. This is to symbolize Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct built in 19 BC. Other figures are actually allegorical symbols, making this Italy fountain rich in narrative just as in art.
Time wears out every tangible material, and the Trevi Fountain was not built to last forever. This Italy famous fountain has undergone its first refurbishing in 1998, where artists paid detail to the cracks and deterioration this magnificent structure has undergone. Following up, Italian brand Fendi has laid out a thorough, 20-month restoration project for the landmark in 2013, sponsoring more than 2 million Euros for the said task. The work started in June 2014 and ended in November 2015, where an official ceremony signaled the reopening of this glorious monument. Among its modern installations are a hundred LED lights that glows like night time stars, offering better illumination of the fountain.
Today, crowds of thousands visit Rome for the Trevi fountain, tossing coins and making wishes, hoping it will come true. However, this ritual is done with a bit of a flair; one must throw their coin with their back facing the fountain, and their right hand over their left shoulder. One amazing fact about the Trevi Fountain: an estimated 3,000 Euros are thrown in the fountain each day! People are forbidden to steal coins from the fountain; other than it is bad lack, they are also robbing an amount to be used to help Rome’s needy.