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Trevi Fountain: The Heart of Rome’s Eternal Wishes

The Trevi Fountain, or “Fontana di Trevi,” is much more than just a fountainit’s a symbol of Rome’s timeless charm and romance. This stunning Baroque masterpiece, completed in 1762 by architect Nicola Salvi and later perfected by Giuseppe Pannini, has been capturing the hearts of visitors for centuries. Set against the backdrop of a historic palazzo, the fountain is a captivating blend of artistry and grandeur, depicting the god Oceanus riding a chariot pulled by seahorses, with statues symbolizing abundance and health on either side.

A Place of Legend and Tradition

One of the reasons Trevi Fountain is so beloved is due to the legends that surround it. The most famous tradition? Tossing a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand. Legend has it that doing so ensures a return to Rome, while two coins mean a new romance and three coins bring marriage. Thanks to this tradition, about €1.5 million in coins are collected from the fountain each year and donated to local charities.

The Art and Architecture of Trevi Fountain

The fountain is built from travertine, a stone deeply embedded in Rome’s architectural history. Like many of Rome’s iconic landmarks, the Trevi Fountain’s travertine structure connects it to the past, as the stone itself dates back to ancient times and is found throughout the city. The travertine sculptures capture the movement of water, which flows from multiple cascades, echoing the force of nature and the control of the gods.

Trevi Fountain by Night

While the fountain is mesmerizing at any time of day, seeing it at night is a must. Illuminated under the stars, the fountain’s marble glows with an ethereal beauty that feels almost magical. Many visitors say it’s a completely different experience after sunset, where the city’s ambient noise fades, and the fountain’s soft roar becomes all the more enchanting.

Rome’s Heartbeat in Water and Stone

Trevi Fountain is a reminder of Rome’s resilience and creativity—a place where art, history, and mythology converge in a single breathtaking sight. Each splash of water, each coin tossed, each wish made creates a bridge between Rome’s ancient past and its thriving present.

Fun Facts about the Trevi Fountain

  • It’s huge! The fountain is 26.3 meters (86 feet) tall and 49.15 meters (161 feet) wide, making it the largest Baroque fountain in Rome.
  • Not the original plan: Pope Urban VIII initially commissioned Bernini to design a fountain, but his project was never completed. Salvi took on the project nearly 100 years later, incorporating some of Bernini’s original ideas.
  • Movie magic: Trevi Fountain famously appeared in the 1960 film La Dolce Vita, cementing its place in pop culture. The scene with Anita Ekberg and Marcello Mastroianni is one of cinema’s most iconic moments.

Make Your Own Trevi Fountain Moment

Next time you visit Trevi Fountain, take a moment to appreciate its artistry, its rich history, and its deep connection to Rome’s culture. Maybe toss a coin—or two!—and be part of the tradition that keeps the magic of Rome alive.

Discover More: For more pieces of Rome’s history, explore our range of handcrafted souvenirs made from local travertine stone. Each piece is a fragment of Rome, just like Trevi Fountain, a piece of the city to bring home.

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