History: The Trevi Fountain, the largest and one of the most famous Baroque fountains in Rome, was designed by architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762. The fountain marks the terminal of one of Rome’s oldest aqueducts, the Aqua Virgo, which was built in 19 BC to bring pure water to the city.
Cultural Significance: The Trevi Fountain is a cultural icon of Rome and one of the most visited tourist attractions. It is famous not only for its beauty, but also for the tradition of tossing a coin into the fountain to ensure a return to Rome. This tradition became famous thanks to Federico Fellini’s film ‘La Dolce Vita’, in which Anita Ekberg plunges into the fountain.
Architectural Features: The fountain occupies the entire façade of Palazzo Poli and features a marine theme with a large statue of Ocean in the centre on a shell pulled by sea horses and tritons. On either side are statues representing Abundance and Health. The theatrical setting of the fountain is a perfect example of the Baroque style, with the interplay of water and stone creating an effect of continuous movement.
Traditions and Curiosities: Every day, thousands of tourists toss coins into the fountain, with the legend stating that a coin tossed with the right hand over the left shoulder guarantees a return to Rome. The coins are collected regularly and donated to charitable organisations. An estimated 1.5 million euros are collected each year.
Recent Restorations The fountain has undergone several restorations over the years to preserve its beauty and functionality. The most recent restoration was completed in 2015, funded by the fashion house Fendi, which restored the fountain to its original splendour. Today, the Trevi Fountain continues to be an iconic landmark and a symbol of Rome’s art and history.