Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain
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Name	Trevi Fountain
Caption	The Trevi Fountain in Rome
Location	Trevi, Rome, Italy
Designer	Nicola Salvi
Type	Baroque
Material	Travertine, marble
Height	26.3 meters (86 ft)
Width	49.15 meters (161.3 ft)
Inaugurated	1762
Dedication	Oceanus

Trevi Fountain. The Trevi Fountain is a monumental Baroque fountain in the Trevi district of Rome, Italy. Designed by architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini, it is one of the most famous fountains in the world, celebrated for its elaborate mythological sculpture and its role in Roman culture. Standing at the junction of three roads (*tre vie*), it marks the terminal point of the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct.

History

The fountain's site has a long history tied to Roman aqueducts, specifically the Aqua Virgo completed in 19 BC under Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa. For centuries, a simple fountain marked this water source. In 1629, Pope Urban VIII commissioned Gian Lorenzo Bernini to design a new fountain, but the project was abandoned after the pope's death. The present structure was initiated in 1732 under Pope Clement XII, who held a competition won by the relatively unknown Nicola Salvi. Work continued under successive popes like Pope Benedict XIV and Pope Clement XIII, with the fountain finally inaugurated in 1762. The construction was funded by a tax on wine, a decision by the Papal States.

Design and architecture

The fountain is a masterful synthesis of architecture and sculpture, built against the façade of the Palazzo Poli. The central figure is Oceanus, the titan god of the sea, who rides a shell-shaped chariot pulled by two sea horses, one calm and one unruly, led by Tritons. These are flanked by allegorical statues of **Abundance** and **Salubrity**. Above, bas-reliefs depict the origin of the Aqua Virgo, including a scene with Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa. The Corinthian pilasters and large central niche create a theatrical backdrop, while the water flows over artificial rocks into a large basin representing the sea. The primary materials are Travertine from Tivoli and Carrara marble.

Cultural significance

The Trevi Fountain is deeply embedded in Roman folklore and global popular imagination. The most famous tradition, immortalized in the film *Three Coins in the Fountain*, involves throwing a coin over one's shoulder into the water to ensure a return to Rome. A second coin is said to lead to a new romance, and a third to marriage or divorce. The collected coins are donated to the Catholic charity Caritas. The fountain has been a central gathering place and symbol of Rome for centuries, featured in celebrations and a key stop on the Grand Tour. Its image is reproduced worldwide, symbolizing Italian art and the Eternal City.

Restoration and maintenance

The fountain requires constant care due to weathering and water damage. A major restoration was sponsored by the Fendi fashion house from 2014 to 2015, which included cleaning the stone, replacing piping, and installing new LED lighting. Earlier, a 1998 restoration addressed structural issues. Daily maintenance is managed by the municipal utility Acea and the city's archaeological department. The preservation efforts ensure the longevity of the intricate sculptures and the quality of the water, which is still potable, supplied by the modernized Acqua Vergine aqueduct.

In popular culture

The fountain's iconic status has made it a frequent setting in international cinema. Its most famous appearance is in Federico Fellini's 1960 masterpiece *La Dolce Vita*, featuring the scene where Anita Ekberg wades into the basin. It also appears in films like *Roman Holiday* with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, and *The Lizzie McGuire Movie*. The coin-throwing ritual was central to the plot of the 1954 film *Three Coins in the Fountain*. Beyond film, it has been referenced in music, literature, and served as inspiration for replicas like the Trevi Fountain of Las Vegas at The Venetian Resort. Category:Fountains in Rome Category:Baroque architecture in Rome Category:Tourist attractions in Rome