View Article: Toe dipping in Trevi Fountain

	Toe dipping in Trevi Fountain
	written by Jenny Lee / 07.04.2004

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Site Location

Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain is located in Rome. It occupies the entire side of Palazzo Poli.

Site History

Front

A front view of Trevi fountain

Church behind the fountain

Church of the Saint Vincenzo and Anastasio

The fountain was designed by Pietro da Cortona, Bernini, and Nicola Salvi and various other sculptors. Construction began in in the 1600's by Bernini but was stalled when Pope Ubran VIII died. Work resumed in 1732 and was completed in 1751 by Nicola Salvi under Clement XII.

The fountain features the sea god Neptune in his chariot and also features the horses of Neptune. It is symbolic, featuring an Arch of Triumph. In the back, the church of the Saint Vincenzo and Anastasio can be seen.

The site originaly marked the terminal of an ancient aqueduct, and legend says that a young maiden, often referred to as the Vergine (virgin), discovered the water in 19 B.C. and showed it to the Roman soldiers. The fountain is named "tre vie" for the spot where three tributaries joined. People used to swim in the fountain, but it is now prohibited and enforced by policemen who guard the fountain.

The famous statue of the Ocean was done by Bracci. The dimensions of the fountain itself are 20m wide and 26m high.

The coin-throwing superstition originates from the custom of pilgrims to leave coins on the tomb of St. Peter. The money is collected and donated to the Italian Red Cross.

Elements of Interest

Triton

Triton guiding the horses of Neptune

Triton2

Triton guiding the horses of Neptune again

"Legend says that if you toss a coin into the fountain over your shoulder, you will one day return to the eternal city." - A different quote says that you have to do this with your left hand.
I had never heard of Trevi fountain before but I have heard this quote many times. I don't know if people raelly do this, but I suppose it might interest you to bring some change.

The intricate detail of the fountain is beautiful and definitely of interest. Taking a close look while also stepping back to enjoy the entire fountain flow together will help explore how the perspective changes from different views.

If you can't wait to get a feel for Trevi fountain, there are several movies out there that either feature shots of the fountain or carry the theme of the fountain in the plot, such as "Three coins in the fountain."

Analyze Image

Trevi fountain

Aerial view of Trevi fountain

While this image offers a unique aerial view of the fountain, it is hard to distinguish the scale of the fountain. This picture contrasts with the usual front-on view of the fountain seen in guidebooks, but offers an interesting perspective that emphasizes the water and sculpture as fundamental elements of the fountain.

Site Questions

Rome is full of beautiful attractions. Why are tourists always found at this fountain? How does Trevi fountain compare to other fountains in Rome?

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