Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is a monumental masterpiece located in the Trevi district of Rome, Italy.

It stands as the largest Baroque fountain in the city. The Baroque style is known for being highly dramatic and grand. The fountain sits at a specific junction where three roads meet. Its name is derived from the Latin word "trevi," meaning an intersection of three streets. This site is one of the most famous landmarks in the entire world. It serves as a "terminal display fountain," or a "mostra," which marks the end of an aqueduct.

The water that powers the fountain comes from a very old system. This system is the Aqua Virgo, an ancient Roman aqueduct. Roman technicians located a source of pure water in 19 BC. Legend says they were helped by a virgin to find this source. The Aqua Virgo carried water into the Baths of Agrippa for over 400 years. Although the aqueduct was damaged during the 6th century AD, it remained in use. It survived the siege of the Goths of Vitiges in 537 AD. Today, the Aqua Virgo still carries water to the Trevi Fountain. The water is noted for being calcium-free, which helps the fountain function.

The design and construction of the fountain involved many talented people over many years. In 1629, Pope Urban VIII requested sketches for a renovation by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. That project was abandoned when the Pope died. Later, in 1730, Pope Clement XII organized a formal competition. Nicola Salvi initially lost the contest to Alessandro Galilei. However, the people of Rome protested the choice of a Florentine winner. Because of this outcry, Salvi was awarded the commission. He began construction in 1732 and worked until his death in 1751.

After Salvi died, other experts stepped in to finish the massive project. Giuseppe Pannini was hired as the architect to complete the work. He finished the fountain in 1762. During this process, Pannini changed some of the planned sculptures. He replaced figures of Agrippa and the Roman virgin, Trivia, with different allegories. Four different sculptors helped decorate the site. These included Pietro Bracci, Filippo della Valle, Giovanni Grossi, and Andrea Bergondi. The majority of the fountain is constructed from Travertine stone. This stone was quarried near Tivoli, which is east of Rome. The fountain was officially opened by Pope Clement XIII on 22 May 1762.

The fountain's appearance is centered around a theme of taming the waters.

In the central niche, the titan Oceanus sits upon a shell chariot. This chariot is pulled by two hippocamps, which are sea horses. Two Tritons, or sea spirits, help guide the horses. The fountain is built into the rear of the Palazzo Poli. The building features a giant order of Corinthian pilasters. These are large, decorative columns that link the two main storeys of the palace. The design uses water and rockwork to create a sense of movement. The statues of Abundance and Salubrity flank the central figure of Oceanus. Abundance spills water from an urn, while Salubrity holds a cup for a snake to drink.

Many people visit the fountain to participate in a famous tradition. They throw a coin into the water to ensure a future return to Rome. To do this correctly, one must turn their back to the fountain. The coin should be thrown with the right hand over the left shoulder.

This tradition is so popular that an estimated 3,000 euros are thrown in every day. In 2016 alone, about 1.4 million euros were tossed into the basin. This money is donated to the Caritas association for charity work. Because of the crowds, Rome introduced a ticketing system in 2026. Non-residents must pay a 2-euro ticket to approach the fountain during certain hours. This system helps manage the large number of visitors and can earn over six million euros annually.

The Trevi Fountain is also a major icon in global popular culture. It has appeared in many famous films and songs. The 1954 film "Three Coins in the Fountain" helped spread the coin-throwing tradition.

The fountain was also featured in the 1960 classic "La Dolce Vita." In that film, Anita Ekberg wades into the water. The fountain has inspired music, such as Ottorino Respighi's symphonic poem. It has even been recreated in a Lego set released in 2025. Recent restoration work by the fashion company Fendi was completed in 2015. This project included installing over 100 LED lights for nighttime beauty. These efforts ensure the fountain remains a preserved piece of Roman heritage.