What was the trevi fountain built for

The central figure in the fountain is Neptune, god of the sea. Neptune is riding a chariot in the shape of a shell that is pulled by two sea horses. Each sea horse is guided by a Triton. One horse is calm the other is enraged; each symbolizes the moods of the sea. To the left of Neptune is a statue representing Abundance, on the right a statue represents Health. The water at the bottom of the fountain represents the sea. Legend has it that if you toss a coin into the fountain with your right hand over your right shoulder you will return to Rome.

Other films in which the Trevi Fountain plays a starring role are:. The first is that it comes from tre vie meaning three roads the fountain is at the junction of three ancient roads.

The other is that Trevi comes from the old name for the area that was originally called Trebium. It is told that in 19 BC Roman soldiers were guided by a young girl to a source of pure water about 8 miles 13 km from Rome. The discovery of the source led to a commission for the construction of a 14 mile 22 km aqueduct leading to Rome named Aqua Virgo or Virgin Waters after the young girl.

But when a Florentine won the people of Rome were up in arms and so the Pope selected the designer who came in second the Roman Nicola Salvi. The restoration was sponsored by Fendi. The central part of the palace was demolished to provide room for the fountain in Sadly it is not unusual for people to try to steal the coins.

After the Fendi-sponsored restoration three years ago, now is the best time to visit Trevi Fountain in Italy and admire the iconic masterpiece in all its glory. Prior to the construction of the Trevi Fountain, another fountain dating back to Roman times existed in its place.

Using local Travertine stone, the same material used in the construction of the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain slowly began to take shape, with intricate detail carved into every section and sculpture.

Up for discovering more Roman history? Trevi Fountain serves as the perfect place to set off from on a day trip to the old port town of Ostia on the west coast. Sitting atop an ancient aqueduct that dates back to 19 BC, the Trevi Fountain is fed by the clear water of Acqua Vergine.

Busy for most of the day, our Travel Experts believe the best time to visit Trevi Fountain is at the break of dawn or in the evening, both offering a completely different but beautiful standpoint. Beautifully lit, the baroque architecture comes to life when darkness falls and the crowds have disappeared, creating a heavenly atmosphere.

The tradition of coin tossing in Trevi Fountain came about after the film, Three Coins in the Fountain. The Trevi Fountain stands a massive 85 feet tall and is almost 65 feet wide. With water pumping out of multiple sources and the large pool in front, the fountain spills about 2,, cubic feet of water every day! The legend holds that a coin thrown into the fountain will ensure a return to Rome. This tradition also dates back to the ancient Romans who often threw coins in water to make the gods of water favor their journey or help them get back home safely.

In the past it was common for gangs of thieves to sweep the coins out of the fountain at night. In fact, three were caught by a T. He stole the coins from the fountain for 34 years before he was caught in the summer of In the fountain was turned off and draped in black crepe to honor actor Marcello Mastroianni after his death.

Mastroianni starred in La Dolce Vita, a movie whose most famous scene was filmed in the Trevi Fountain, making the fountain more famous than ever. In the fountain wore a different color after a vandal dumped a liquid substance into the fountain turning the water red. This caused water that fell from the fountain to be red as well, since it uses a closed circuit water system. While there was a fear that the liquid would have permanently damaged the monument, the water was drained fast enough that there was no damage, only a crowd of very surprised tourists!

A famed sight for tourists from throughout the world, the Trevi Fountain is quite the stage prop as well! The fountain is even replicated at Epcot in Walt Disney World!

Try our Twilight City Stroll while in Rome to experience the Fountain, Spanish Steps and other Roman gems in a new light, with more fascinating facts and anecdotes from our expert guides! Visited this beautiful city in Love Italy!! Hope to return one day in the next few years. Threw our coins in Trevi Fountain, such a stunning place!

While I knew some of these, most of these as quite a surprise, especially the origin of the name of the fountain-Three Roads! Incredible article my friends!! Sadly it is being renovated at the moment I was there last week but you can still throw a coin in.

I was there last year and it was closed — very disappointing. Scaffolds everywhere. Is it still under renovation? We understand your disappointment Lisa! There is currently a multi-million dollar renovation taking place for the Trevi Fountain. I liked your post and I am regular reader of your blog. The information you shared will help me provide a good knowledge.

Thanks for sharing this post. Was there in August and witnessed a proposal. Gorgeous and she said yes. Returned after nearly 50 years!!.