Queen of fountains and absolute jewel of Rome, Trevi Fountain, combines the most powerful visual effect, with hidden symbols and history, achieving divine creation to admire forever…

trevi fountain historic background

Throughout the history, water supply in every town, was a thing of both survival and prestige. Ancient Romans mastered their elegant aqueducts, specially with genius mind of Marcus Agrippa. He built, not only iconic Pantheon temple in Rome, but also famous Aqua Virgo aqueduct in 19 BC, to supply Campus Martius area with fresh water. Slight incline of a channel, built on top of the arched water way, brought perfectly clean and drinkable water to the center of Rome. Water spring was located 14 miles east from Rome, next to beautiful Alban Hills, and small town Salone. Water from the Virgo aqueduct was a blessing. It was perfectly cold and purified, as Seneca and Martial claimed many times, and was never mudded after heavy rains. This marvelous aqueduct structure was rebuilt by the pope Nicholas V in 1453. It was a set of new water stations, with a few small fountains, from which two of them will be cherished by the Romans and the rest of the world. One is Piazza del Popolo Fountain, and the other is, the Trevi. During XV century, nobody would even think of baroque miracle, that will emerge, out of modest city fountain.

 A few greedy popes, like Urban VIII in the XVII century, introduced a tax on wine, to enable finances for the new Trevi Fountain project. However, real story starts in 1732. It will last for another 30 years for the Trevi to be shown to the rest of the world, in all its magnificence and glory. Nicolo Salvi’s architectural passion and designer’s genius is everywhere. Just consider the idea to convert side facade of the Polli Palace (Palazzo Polli) into a baroque fairytale. Salvi’s Trevi Fountain in Rome became a stage, where brilliant marble story is played.

 artistic touch and symbolism

The one on the right is quiet, symbolizing slow river flow, or an ocean surface limpid and calm as a mirror. Left sea horse is wild, in a chaotic gallop, reminding us on floods and rough seas. Both scenes merge into a powerful kingdom of the God Ocean. Semi circular pool, slowly embraces white-washed statues and marble rocks. They are shaped to symbolize Roman Castles (Castelli Romani) – beautiful gentle, hilly neighborhood, just outside Rome. Being touched by the Trevi site, we are wandering about its name. Probably thanks to virginity of a lady, who discovered ancient water spring, we named the aqueduct Aqua Virgo, or later, Aqua Vergine. Nut what about particular word Trevi (di Trevi)? Does it originate from the virgin’s name Trivia? Or the Trevi symbolizes three streets (tre vie in Italian), which gather on a small square in front of the fountain? All theories sound intriguing enough. But one thing is sure: spectacular visual effect that leaves us speechless when standing in front of the Trevi Fountain in Rome. This is mostly due to narrow, tiny streets leading to it, and very small space in front of the fountain. After that, you will be certainly struck by gigantic size of this Baroque masterpiece.  

Walking down the narrow street, I can’t forget magical sound of water, which, together with sculptural decoration, evening lights and excited crowd, create memorable the Trevi postcard. Who can resist tossing a coin into a fountain, by moving right hand over your left shoulder. One coin is for you, to be back to Rome again, and another one, for fulfillment of a wish, which you cannot share with anyone. Please throw a coin and join glorious and popular tradition. By that, you will help collecting close to 1.5 million dollars per year. Be a part of this unique moment, when the whole world, and di Trevi Fountain, are raising money for charity. Try to notice very nice Baroque church of St. Vincent and Anastasisus, overlooking, and almost guarding gentle Trevi Fountain. A few gelaterias and cafes, provide a blend of superb  Italian flavors, ideal for refreshment or a short break. Soré shoes shop is simply a magnet. With very popular prices, it exists for decades. People are still very proud to find a perfect “shoes souvenir”, bought in front of the legendary fountain.

Good night your Majesty di Trevi Fountain.

Notice: article images are made by Jonnie World Walker team.