Rome Trevi Fountain - a miniature world of Mediterranean symbols

For a complete knowledge, please visit also the specific pages about the various aspects of this area:

• The Spanish Steps - Piazza di Spagna
• Trevi Fountain (this page)
• Via Sistina and Piazza Trinita' de' Monti
• The Borghese Gardens
• Via della Croce
• Via del Babuino, Via San Giacomo, Via dei Greci, Via del Corso
• Via delle Carrozze
• Via Mario Fiori and Via Frattina

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  The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi), Italy’s most famous fountain, was built in the back of Palazzo Poli, to make the square appear larger and more sumptuous. Today it is regarded as the most beautiful fountain in the world.

Trevi Fountain: probably the most beautiful fountain in the world, it is surely the most watched. Mesmerised crouds watch it at all times. Even in the dead of coldest nights you find people watching it..

A masterpiece of architecture and sculpture, the fountain dates back to ancient Rome. Rebuilt many times throughout the millennia, it was completed by Nicola Salvi between 1732 and 1751. The Fountain is a symbolic and fanciful celebration of the Mediterranean civilization.

The rushing waters come from the Acqua Vergine aqueduct, which was commissioned by Agrippa - a general of Augustus - in 19 BC. The aqueduct transports the water from the Salone springs, 19 miles away from the city.

(Right photo): the Trevi Fountain, closer view

The fountain is named after the young girl (virgin) who supposedly took Agrippa’s thirsty soldiers to its source. The name Trevi (from “trivium”) literally means three ways: the fountain was constructed at the intersection of three streets.

The fountain became a household name after Fellini’s movie “La Dolce Vita,” in which Anita Ekberg was shown frolicking in the water.

Legend has it that throwing a coin into the Trevi fountain will ensure your return to Rome (it is important that you do so by turning away from the fountain and tossing the coin over your shoulder.)

Detail, front view: the "rough horse" (cavallo agitato) of sculptor Bracci		Cherub with trumpet (detail)

Near the fountain you find important churches, and especially the famous Triton Fountain of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, in Piazza Barberini.

The Triton Fountain, of Gian Lorenzo Bernini - top photo Right photo: close-up on the fountain, which was renovated for the 2000 Jubilee. A triton, half man and half fish, sits on a gigantic shell, standing on four dolphins.

Trevi Fountain neighborhood

The Trevi Fountain area is one of Rome's most delightful. No wonder that a consistent part of the Oscar-winning film "Roman Holiday" (1953) was shot in this area.

At n. 85 of Via della Stamperia - immediately to the right of the fountain - you find Mario Delani's hairdresser parlour where Prince Anne (Audrey Hepburn) has her hair cut. Sadly today the shops sells wallets and gloves, as the sign says. You can see the Trevi Fountain reflected in the shop windows.   Nearby, in Via dei Giardini, you find the little silent ally where Prince Ann and Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck) have their final kiss in a car. After it, Prince Ann gets out of the car, and gets inside the palace in the background, separating herself for ever from Joe Bradley. Prince Ann's royal mansion in the film is today the National Gallery of Arts. The famous kiss in the car, parked exactly in this corner.

Around the foutain you find most picturesque streets, with beautiful churches, and also charming shops and restaurants.

Vicolo del Forno	Via delle Muratte

The most famous ones are Via delle Muratte, which begins with the quarters' old baker (Forno), and also Via del Lavatore, its continuation after the square with the fountain.

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