Trevi Fountain - an eternal source of income | DW Travel | DW.COM | 24.06.2016 Travel Trevi Fountain - an eternal source of income Every year, millions of tourists throw coins into Rome's Trevi Fountain. Legend says that in doing so, you ensure a return to the eternal city. But what actually happens to all the money thrown into the waters? Trevi Fountain has become a crowded tourist spot due to its immense fame The normally blue shimmering water has been drained from the monumental Trevi Fountain. All that remains is the empty pool in which several workers equipped with brooms sweeps together the mass of coins. Rome might be known as the "eternal city", but the coins, which are thrown into the fountain by tourists every second of the day and night will not remain forever in the Trevi Fountain. Collection point for coins from around the world Once a week the spectacle of collecting the coins takes placed - watched by thousands of curious onlookers. Until now, the money was donated to charities and good causes - but whether this will continue to be the case is yet to be decided. The different types of coins - euros, dollars, pounds or yuans show how popular the fountain is internationally.

The Catholic relief organization Caritas says the city of Rome could annually fish in the region of one million euro out of the fountain –and they should know because until now they've traditionally been the recipients of those coins. Below the waters of the fountain there is a treasure Legend says that if you throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder into the fountain then you will be blessed by good fortune and will ensure that you will someday return to Rome. "I'm doing this because it's thought to bring luck. But why that should be the case I don't know," says Sabine from Dortmund, who takes pictures as her husband throws a coin into the Trevi waters. They have painstakingly fought their way through the crowds to the edge of the fountain, where people from Japan, China, the USA are also taking position to launch their coins. A tourist ritual for a good cause Trevi Fountain has lost some of its charms under the crush of people, cheap tourist souvenir vendors and the roaming traders - even though it shines brightly white after a 17-month make-over paid for by the Italian fashion house Fendi. "You can hardly enjoy it, let alone take any photos," says Isabel, a 26-year old from Essen, disappointedly.

The fountain cleared of coins Until now the money collected in the fountain has been given to Caritas, and therefore it has been used to help those in need. "We help families, give money to soupkitchens and hotels for the homeless and those who are HIV positive," says Caritas spokesman Alberto Colaiacomo. But they can make immediate use of the commonly used currencies. "Other coins, like those from China are collected over time and then exchanged at the appropriate embassy", Colaiacomo tells us. The future of the fountain treasure is unknown The current arrangement for the use of the coins runs until the end of 2017. There were already rumors at the beginning of the year that the funds would in future be put to different use – like pay for the renovation of antique buildings and monuments. But the city administration was fast to deny these plans. New in office: Mayor Virginia Raggi Now however all bets are off as the power structure in Rome has shifted to the new mayor Virginia Raggi. Caritas spokesman Colaiacomo says she is the one who will now ultimately decide what is to be done with the collected Trevi Fountain coins as of 2018.

And as the city is facing problems caused by debts, corruption, rubbish disposal, smog and weight of traffic, some things might be seen as more important. Anita Ekberg in "La Dolce Vita" The Trevi Fountain was designed by baroque architect Nicolò Salvi (1697-1751), but who didn't live to see the completion of the marble masterpiece in 1762. It found global fame some 200 years later when actress Anita Ekberg, wearing a black evening dress, seductively takes a plunge in the fountain in Frederico Fellini's 1960 "La Dolce Vita" film. "Marcello, come here!" she sighs to her acting partner Marcello Mastroianni - and his character doesn't need asking twice. Today, however, it is strictly forbidden to even dip a toe into the legendary fountain; as of the beginning of this year, any dip in the waters of the historic fountain will incur a fine of € 500 (US $ 564).

Watch video 05:07 Rome.info > Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) Rome » Sights and attractions » Trevi Fountain Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) The Trevi fountain, inspired by Roman triumphal arches, is the largest and most famous Baroque fountain in Rome (standing 25.9 meters high and 19.8 meters wide). In 1629, Pope Urban VIII, asked Bernini to sketch possible renovations of the fountain, finding it insufficiently theatrical. After the Pope's death the project was abandoned. Bernini's lasting contribution was to situate the fountain from the other side of the square to face the Quirinal Palace (so that the Pope could see and enjoy it). The Trevi Fountain as we know it today, was designed by Nicola Salvi in 1732 and competed in 1762. The central figures of the fountain are Neptun (God of the sea), flanked by two Tritons. One struggles to master a veru unruly "sea horse", the other lead a far more docile animal. These symbolize the two contrasting moods of the sea.

The site originally marked the terminal at the Aqua Virgo aqueduct built in 19 BC. One of the firts-storey reliefs shows a young girl (the legendary virgin after whom the aqueduct was named) pointing to the spring from which the water flows. Appropriately for a fountain resembling a stage set, the theatrical Trevi Fountain has been the star of many films shot in Rome, including romantic films such as "Three coins in a fountain" and "Roman holiday", but also "La dolce vita", Federico Fellini's satirical portrait of Rome in the 1950s. Tradition has it a coin thrown into the water guarantees a visitor's return to Rome. How to get there: Trevi Fountain is situated in the Trevi square (piazza di Trevi), within walking distance from the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona . BBC NEWS | Europe | Trevi coins to fund food for poor Trevi coins to fund food for poor Money collected The thousands of coins thrown into Rome's Trevi fountain are to be used by an Italian charity to set up a supermarket for the city's poor. Tradition holds that visitors can assure their return by tossing a coin over their shoulders into the water.

The estimated 3,000 euros ($4,000, ï¿½2,000) which splash daily into the Trevi are collected each night. Charity Caritas says it plans to set up a supermarket offering essential items free of charge to Rome's needy. Families will be given a top-up card by their local councils which they can swap for basic food items at the supermarket in central Rome. Fountain raiders The Trevi, a Roman landmark since the 18th Century, was popularised by films such as Three Coins In The Fountain and La Dolce Vita. The money provided by tourists hoping to return to Rome will provide a valuable subsidy to the project, organised with an Italian supermarket chain and the city's council. In November last year, after a lengthy surveillance operation, Roman police arrested four cleaners caught in possession of coins which they had been taking from the fountain as they cleaned it. A charity had alerted police after they noticed a sharp dip in the funds they were receiving via the council. In 2003, a judge cleared a woman accused of stealing from the fountain on the grounds that the money had been discarded and had no rightful owner.

The fountain's most famous raider, known as d'Artagnan, fished coins out of the fountain for 34 years until he was caught in 2002. The man, whose real name is Roberto Cercelletta, was banned from the fountain when he was finally discovered in the summer of that year. What Happens to that Coin You Tossed in the Trevi Fountain? - Luxe Adventure Traveler Luxe Adventure Traveler You are here: Home / Europe / Italy / What Happens to that Coin You Tossed in the Trevi Fountain? What Happens to that Coin You Tossed in the Trevi Fountain? By Jennifer Dombrowski 41 Comments If you’ve been to Rome, you’ve probably tossed a coin into the Trevi Fountain like thousands of other visitors do every single day. The tradition gained popularity after it was the theme of the 1954 romantic comedy Three Coins in the Fountain, but it started long before the movie. Originally, it was said that a thirst quenching glass of water from the Trevi Fountain would ensure good fortune and a fast return to the Eternal City.

Over time the legend of the Trevi Fountain evolved to tossing a coin in to ensure a return to Rome. The precise legend of the Trevi Fountain says you should stand with your back to the fountain and toss a coin over your left shoulder to guarantee a return trip to Rome. I tossed my first coin in to the Trevi Fountain in precisely this manner with my friend Jess in 2006 and returned to Rome less than one year later. Of course I tossed another coin in to the fountain on that return trip in 2007, and while my next return to Rome wasn’t as speedy as after my first coin toss, I did move to Italy a mere two years later. Bonus Legend: There is a miniature fountain on the left side of the Trevi Fountain. Legend says that if a couple drinks from the “small fountain of lovers”, they will be forever faithful to their partner. After tossing my coin, I turned around and observed the thousands of international coins glittering in the fountain. As coin after coin plopped into the Baroque masterpiece and sank to the bottom, I wondered exactly what happened to what must a small fortune.

Tossing my coin in the Trevi Fountain in 2006 It turns out that there’s an even better reason to toss your coin into the Trevi Fountain than just wishing for a return trip to Rome. Each day the gushing torrents of the Trevi Fountain are silenced for one hour while city workers sweep the coins from the fountain. Since 2006, the year I tossed my own first coin into the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Catholic charity Caritas has been sorting and cleaning the daily loot from the fountain. Find our recommendations on where to eat near the Trevi Fountain. Caritas runs food and social programs for the needy and oppressed in 200 countries and territories worldwide. Somewhere around €8000 is collected three times a week (on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am – 9am when the fountain is closed to the public for cleaning and coin removal) from the Trevi Fountain (about $1.26 million annually) and distributes it among the needy. Caritas even opened a low-cost supermarket in Rome in 2008 for the needy.

So while you think you’re just doing something romantic while partaking in the coin-toss legend of the Trevi Fountain, you also helped the needy. Maybe on your return visit, you’ll toss in an extra coin or two. I know I will! This post was featured on BuzzFeed in the article 36 Interesting Facts That Will Make You Want to Travel . Craving a monthly dose of travel inspiration? Sign up for our free newsletter! Did you enjoy our post on What Happens to that Coin You Tossed in the Trevi Fountain? Then share it with your friends! Trevi Fountain Reviews - Rome, Italy Rome, Italy Dec 15, 2015 Recently renovated and apparently even more radiant than ever, the all time favorite tourist spot in Rome will lead you onto the road of the 'Dolce Vita'. A famous spot for cinema sets due to its wildly romantic nature, the Fontana di Trevi will get you tossing that coin in in the hope of an imminent return. Its awe inspiring grandeur and fiercely majestic look will hold your attention as you hear the pretty gushing of the water features.

It's a must-see and will put Rome on an even higher position (if not at the top) of your favorite European cities list! Recommended for:Local CultureFamily TravelersLuxury TravelersHistory Buffs Comment. Trendsters Aug 13, 2015 The Trevi Fountain is a fountain in the Trevi district in Rome, Italy, designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Pietro Bracci. Recommended for:History BuffsArt & Design Lovers Comment. Trendsters Aug 06, 2015 This was the thing I was most looking forward to seeing in Rome, but it was unfortunately under construction! Our tour guide told us that it was almost completely renovated when someone destroyed the fountain again. Recommended for:Backpackers Adventure Travelers Jul 25, 2015 I have been to this fountain dozens of times and thrown in lire and euros. I stopped going for the fountain and went to watch the tourists and their coins, tourists and ice creams and police whistling at misbehaving tourists. This is a lively and entertaining place to sit. At least part of it is in the shade.

Recommended for:Local CultureFamily TravelersBackpackersNightlife Lovers Comment. Art & Design Lovers May 11, 2015 The famous fountain we knew from Roman Holiday. There are many restaurants around the fountain. Especially the Gelateria Valentino is the famous ice cream shop. I love the Pistachios favour. Recommended for:Family TravelersBackpackers Art & Design Lovers Feb 14, 2015 Despite the crowds and the pick pockets, it's still worthwhile for you to check out the Trevi Fountain. Tradition has it that you should use your right hand to throw a coin over your left shoulder – your first toss with one coin is supposed to ensure a return trip for you to Rome (but really, after eating all that amazing gelato is there any reason why you wouldn't come back to Rome??? :). Launching a second coin will lead to a new romance and a third coin toss will send you on your way to marriage. Recommended for:Local CultureBudget TravelersFamily TravelersHistory Buffs Comment. Anzio, Italy Jan 29, 2015 the famous fountain where you have to launch a coin.

Fellini's dolce vite was shooted here. it hypnotize for how beautifull and full of fresh water dancing Comment. Art & Design Lovers Nov 29, 2014 I'm sure it is impressive, a full 85 foot tall Baroque masterpiece, but it is currently undergoing a year long renovation that started June 2014 so you mainly see scaffolding. You can still toss in a coin though! Comment. "...but the world is my home" - Picholo Local Culture Nightlife Lovers Nov 15, 2014 Another of the must see places in Rome. This area is so crowded and full of tourists most of time. The tour buses will drop you off a few blocks away and you'll have to find your way there on a map. Second time in Rome, I explored the area well by myself and no need for tour buses, walked all over Rome in 2 days. Recommended for:Local CultureHistory BuffsAdventure TravelersArt & Design Lovers Comment. All photos (40) Description Tradition has it that throwing a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain guarantees a swift return to the world's most beautiful city.

Anita Ekberg's dip in it was immortalized in Federico Fellini's La Dolce Vita, and Italian actor Toto even sold it to an American, passing himself off as its owner. Earlier Fontana di Trevi was the setting for the award-winning Three Coins in the Fountain motion picture, ensuring its popularity worldwide. Designed by Nicola Salvi for Pope Clemente XII, it was completed in the second half of the 18th Century. The statues in the center represent Neptune supported by Tritons on either side while rococo-style Poli Palace provides the perfect backdrop. Business owner tools Trevi Fountain: History & Legend – Italy Travel Guide in Things to Do tagged Planning a Trip / rome / Things to Do / things to do in rome / trevi fountain / what to do in rome by Jessica Anyone who’s spent any time in Italy knows that just about every town of even a modest size has a fountain or two decorating one side of a piazza or garden. But very few fountains have the international fame of the Trevi Fountain in Rome – this is a fountain we all know by name, and which tourist hordes make a point to see during their stay in Italy’s capital. So, why all the fuss?

Well, one of the main reasons everyone makes a beeline for the Trevi among all the fountains in Rome is that it’s appeared in so many movies that it’s practically a movie star. From the iconic “Roman Holiday” to the decidedly less so “When in Rome” (yes, the Olsen twins movie), the Trevi Fountain is so instantly recognizable as being part of Rome that it’s been the ideal backdrop for films for decades. Even if you’re not a Fellini fan, you’ve at least seen clips of Anita Ekberg’s famous Trevi Fountain bathing scene from “La Dolce Vita,” and the tradition of throwing coins into the Trevi was the basis for an entire book and movie, “Three Coins in the Fountain.” In short, the Trevi is almost a Roman celebrity in its own right, and even though it’s usually horribly crowded and a haven for pickpockets and trinket sellers, it’s still worth a side-trip when you’re walking through the city. History of the Trevi Fountain One of the first things you’ll notice about the Trevi Fountain – or Fontana di Trevi in Italian – is that it’s downright enormous.

At 85 feet high and 65 feet wide, it’s the biggest fountain in the entire city of Rome. A fountain was originally built on this spot in the mid-15th century, when the tradition of building fountains to mark the end point of an acqueduct was rekindled, but this has always been the terminus of one of Rome’s ancient acqueducts – the Acqua Vergine. The acqueduct was destroyed by invaders in the 6th century, but repaired in the 15th century by order of the Pope when the first fountain was built. The Trevi Fountain you see today, which was completed in 1762, is still served by that same Acqua Vergine acqueduct. The design of the Trevi changed several times as it was being built, as happens with construction projects that outlive the funding source. In the early 17th century, the Pope decided the existing fountain wasn’t dramatic enough and asked famed sculptor Bernini to come up with a new design. When the Pope died, so did the construction project, although one element of Bernini’s design can be seen in the current fountain – he moved the fountain from one side of the piazza to the other.

The Trevi Fountain project was taken up again in the early 18th century, and this time it continued even after the then-Pope’s death. In this case, even the designer, Nicola Salvi, didn’t live to see the final fountain. Salvi died in 1751 and the fountain was completed in 1762; the design is still predominantly Salvi’s, although another designer was overseeing the work at the end. Design of the Trevi Fountain While most people aren’t concerned with the allegories and symbolism of the fountain’s decor (especially since many are facing away from the fountain as they’re throwing coins), to the original builders the meaning was just as important as the water that flowed from the fountain. The star of the show is a figure called “Oceanus,” who is seen riding on a giant clam shell and represents water in all its forms – rivers, oceans, lakes, etc. – although perhaps the name most of us might recognize is that of Triton, Poseidon’s son who’s most often seen blowing on a conch shell. You’ll see him on the right side of Oceanus.

DOWNLOAD OUR TRAVEL GUIDES DOWNLOAD NOW The building behind the fountain, the Palazzo Poli, existed when the fountain was built, but it was spruced up a bit to go with the fancy new fountain in front of it. And you may be interested to know that the same acqueduct that feeds the Trevi Fountain also feeds the fountain in the middle of Piazza Navona . In other words, if anyone else decides to dye the water in the Trevi Fountain red and the water isn’t shut off quickly, the water in the Piazza Navona fountain will be red, too. Great panorama shot of the Trevi Fountain & crowds surrounding it Throwing Coins in the Trevi Fountain As mentioned, there’s a long-standing tradition about throwing coins in the Trevi Fountain – spend a few minutes watching people at the fountain and you’ll see that this is the main reason many people stop by. The original legend says that if you throw a coin into the Trevi – with your back to the fountain, throwing the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder – that will ensure a return to Rome.

Perhaps thanks in part to the film “Three Coins in the Fountain,” a newer story also routinely makes the rounds that says throwing one coin means a return to Rome, a second coin leads to a new romance, and a third coin leads to marriage. You are welcome to believe (or not believe) either one – it all depends on your level of superstition, and the depth of your wallet! (And clearly the whole thing about the “right hand over the left shoulder” isn’t even widely accepted, as a quick search through Flickr photos of people throwing coins into the fountain is testament to. I have no idea what good fortune the girls in the picture at the right thought the addition of crazy facial expressions might bring them.) While there are regularly attempts to steal the coins from the bottom of the fountain, you may be pleased to know that the coins are collected every night and the funds have been used to fund a supermarket that serves the poor of Rome, the Italian Red Cross, as well as other local charities. And we’re not talking chump change, either – workers routinely pull roughly €3,000 per day out of the Trevi! The folks in this video have the right hand/left shoulder thing down: >> More of what to do in Rome !

Visiting the Trevi Fountain Location: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Rome (map below); slightly NE from the Pantheon . The closest Rome Metro station is Barberini. Hours: Always open Admission: Free (except for the coins you’ll throw!) Visitor’s Tips: While I’m not enough of a night-owl to have personally tested this, I’m told that if you want the fountain more to yourself you should go well after midnight (after the dance clubs close, perhaps?). Because the Trevi is such a popular tourist destination, it’s also a popular hang-out for would-be pickpockets and the people who wander around selling roses, useless trinkets, and various bits of crap – so you’re advised to keep an extra close eye on your stuff when you’re hanging around the fountain. Again, because of the popularity of the Trevi, the places I’ve seen selling food around the piazza have jacked their prices way up and pulled the quality down. Yes, licking a cone of gelato while sitting on the fountain steps watching people throw coins over their shoulders is a lovely pastime, but if you’re smart you’ll get your gelato elsewhere and bring it to the Piazza di Trevi.

Trevi Fountain in Rome Looks like there's not enough activity around Trevi Fountain to show here today. @Laura__Rome “@beautifulepics: Trevi Fountain the largest Baroque fountain .....”👍👌😉👼🐸 Posted by Susanne Novorita - 2 years ago Trevi Fountain- Everything You've Wanted to Know About the Famous Fountain #travel #Rome Posted by Rhonda Krause - 2 years ago See image #Trevi fountain under restoration, #Rome, #Italy Posted by Robin Monotti Arch. - 2 years ago #We_Are_Coming_O_Rome Go visit the Trevi Fountain and throw a coin over your left shoulder, and have a marocchino at a cafe nearby! Posted by Carlos Javier - 2 years ago The Trevi Fountain in Rome #italy #bucketlist Posted by Cultural Italy - 2 years ago See image #We_Are_Coming_O_Rome I'll bring my own goat to make love to her near Trevi Fountain. I'll throw the coins I stole from Kurds to make wish.

Posted by Islamic State Media - 2 years ago Don't let the man take your photo at the Trevi Fountain; he'll demand 5 euros to return your camera #We_Are_Coming_O_Rome Posted by V - 2 years ago The Trevi fountain, #Rome, #Italy via @CNTraveler Posted by Why in Italy - 2 years ago D'aww @imp_em! Rome is perfect for a bit of romance, especially the Trevi Fountain #SuperRomantic Posted by SuperBreak - 2 years ago Have you visited the Trevi Fountain in Rome yet? Posted by TravelAtLast - 2 years ago Author @robenagrant has thrown a coin in Fontana di Trevi and she will return to Rome Posted by The Wild Rose Press - 2 years ago "@ngc2363: Famous Trevi Fountain in #Rome #Italy " Posted by Angelo ♈ - 2 years ago Great shot !! "@Carys_Grande: Really want to go to the Trevi Fountain!

#TreviFountain #Italy #Rome ” Posted by Italian Talks - 2 years ago @JohnFugelsang did you see this tribute to her in Rome at Trevi Fountain? Beautiful. Posted by Maureen Van Zandt - 2 years ago Trevi Fountain in Rome. Built 1762. (Photo by Daniel Schwabe) Posted by Historical Pictures - 2 years ago Anita Ekberg, La Dolce Vita actress immortalized bathing in Rome's Trevi Fountain, dies at 83: Posted by The Associated Press - 2 years ago See image RT"@archpics: Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy " Posted by Sayonara Plaza - 2 years ago Trevi fountain #Rome #vacation #travel @serdargoknur @DanielaVavrek @lu19lucia @YettioTravelMag @yoko7878 @fragkos1 Posted by Fourtrippers - 2 years ago #didyouknow Coins thrown into the Trevi Fountain in Rome are collected every night and given to charity!

Posted by Lufthansa USA - 2 years ago #EtihadCrewTips Rachele Zanon from our Cabin Crew, recommends that when in #Rome, you visit the Fontana di Trevi Posted by Etihad Airways - 2 years ago Take an up-close look at the renovation work being done at Rome's Trevi Fountain via @BBCWorld Posted by NIAF - 2 years ago See image RT @MedCruiser1: Visiting Rome on your Mediterranean Cruise? Have 3 coins ready for the Trevi Fountain Posted by CruiseExpertsTravel - 2 years ago Again Fountain Di Trevi ,one wish for me,One wish for my lovely Syria 🙏💔#Rome #Italy #damascus #Syria Posted by Samah Wahbeh - 2 years ago Swimming with the dolphins,climbing Mount Kilimanjaro,seeing the Trevi Fountain in Rome!Share your bucket list & stand in line to win R3000 Posted by Boodle - 2 years ago “@JudahSimpson: “@CordeiroRick: " @AMAZlNGPICTURES Fontana di Trevi, Rome, Italy "”. Wow” I want to go there.

Posted by Rita Lou n Gracie 2 - 2 years ago @HotelRomance And trevi fountain of night visions is great ... #elegant #Rome #colesseum #trevi #night Posted by Daphne Khamis - 2 years ago ┎━━┰━━┰━━━━┰━━┒┃┎┒┃┎┒┃┎┒┎┒┃┎┒┃┃┎━┒┠┚┃┃┃┃┃┃┎┒┃┖┚┈┖┸━┸┚┖┚┖┸┚┖┚#Trevi fountain at nightThe great beauty of #Rome Posted by Antonio Colaninno - 2 years ago It is said that if you throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain that it'll ensure your return to Rome. Posted by Viking Cruises UK - 2 years ago Rome's Trevi Fountain emptied of water - but still filling with coins: Tourists keep up the tradition of...

#News Posted by Made in Italy - 2 years ago See image Tourists call police in Rome after being charged £33 for ice creams Posted by MailOnline Travel - 2 years ago Pedal Pushers: Trevi Fountain, Rome Trevi Fountain, Rome Trevi Fountain, Rome Trevi Fountain brings back fond memories of romantic movies such as Roman Holiday, La Dolce Vita, and Three Coins in a Fountain. At least seven other movies have featured the fountain as it makes a good back drop for any scene. Trevi fountain was on Christine's must see list. She loves the movie Roman Holiday. The smile of happiness even though she didn't get to wade in the water as did Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday or stand in it as did Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita. My smile shows that if Christine is happy, I'm happy. Also I get to show out my Pedal Pushers hat. A friendly person offered to take our picture. The aqueduct had its origins in the year 19 B.C. under Agrippa, the son-in-law of Emperor Augustus. Trevi is said to be the name of the shepherdess who showed thirsty Roman soldiers a spring.

From the spring an aqueduct was built to supply Rome with fresh water for its citizens and its fountains. The fountain was designed as a large basin in a semi-circular shape. One can go down steps to get close to the two-tiered basin as it is sunk right below pavement level. If one has seen "Three coins in a Fountain", they are aware of the legend of "coin throwing" in the fountain. If visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return to The City of Rome. There are other legends that two coins thrown will ensure a marriage will occur soon, and three coins lead to a divorce or breakup. Remember, there were three ladies who threw coins in the movie. They didn't each throw three coins. (Just wanted to keep our legends straight). The legend is wide-spread among the visitors and tourists as some $3,500 is thrown into the Trevi Fountain each day. The coins are collected at night and are used to subsidize a supermarket for Rome's needy. The fountain, statutes, and facade, like so much of Roman architect, is intricate in detail and symbolism. At the top is the coat of arms of Pope Clemente XII flanked by two winged angels.

In the middle is the inscription of Pope Clemente dedicating the fountain in 1735. To the sides standing on top of the four columns are the statutes of the four seasons. From left to right, the statues symbolize Abundance of Fruit, Fertility of the Fields, the Gifts of Autumn, and the Amenities of Meadows and Gardens. To the left of the arch is Agrippa commanding his men to build the aqueduct. On the right is a relief of the virgin Trevi showing the spring to the soldiers. In the middle is Oceanus. To the left is the statue of Abundance holding the horn of plenty. To the right is the statue of Health, crowned by a wreath of laurel and holding a cup a snake drinks from. Standing in the center of the triumphal arch is Oceanus; Titan of Water, Seas, Lakes, Rivers, Ocean, Streams, and Ponds. The statue is 16 feet high. ﻿Oceanus is carried on his triumphal coral chariot by two horses attended by two Tritons (merman-like creatures). One horse is restless, one is calm symbolizing the fluctuating moods of the sea.

One Triton is strong and young, one is older and holds a twisted shell that is used to announce their passage. As much as we would like to linger, Oceanus seemed to be pointing the way to our next adventure-- visiting the Forum and the Coliseum. at 9 Surprising Trevi Fountain Facts | Rome Blog | Walks of Italy Home » All Articles » Rome » 9 Things You Didn’t Know About The Trevi Fountain 9 Things You Didn’t Know About The Trevi Fountain Like our comprehensive online Italian travel guides ? you’ll love our expert-guided tours in Italy . If you’re planning a trip to Italy, we’d love to show you what our favorite country has to offer. No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Fontana di Trevi, or Trevi Fountain . Located in the Quirinale district of Rome, the Trevi Fountain is known as one of the most stunning fountains in the world. But there’s a lot more than just beauty behind this famous fountain! Though it was one of 1,352 fountains in 4th century Rome, the Trevi Fountain has always stood out from the rest.

After a prolonged closure while it was being refurbished by the fashion house, Fendi (who reportedly spent a cool $2.2 million), the fountain has just re-opened better than ever, so it’s time to book tickets and get to Rome to see it! In the mean time, here are 9 facts you might not have known about Rome’s Trevi Fountain: The fountain features Neptune, god of the sea on a shell-shaped chariot pulled by two horses, each being guided by a Triton. One horse is calm while the other is unruly, representing the different moods of the sea. Photo by Gina Mussio 1. The Trevi Fountain is one of the oldest water sources in Rome The fountain dates back to ancient Roman times, since the construction of the Aqua Virgo Aqueduct in 19 B.C. that provided water to the Roman baths and the fountains of central Rome. It’s said that the Aqua Virgo, or Virgin Waters, is named in honor of a young Roman girl who led thirsty soldiers to the source of the spring to drink. The fountain was built at the end point of the aqueduct, at the junction of three roads.

These three streets (tre vie) give the Trevi Fountain its name, the Three Street Fountain. 2. Salvi was not the original architect In 1730 Pope Clemens XII held a contest to design a new fountain. Many important architects participated, but in the end Nicola Salvi won the rights to design the fountain, though some theories say he may not have been the first choice. Alessandro Galilei, a architect from the same family as the famous astronomer Galileo, originally won the commission for the project but the commission was ultimately given to Salvi after a public outcry. The reason for the public’s objections? Galilei was a Florentine, while Salvi was a native Roman. However Salvi never saw his fountain completed. The first water came out of the fountain in 1743 but it wasn’t until 1762 that a different Pope, Clemens XIII, officially completed and inaugurated the new Trevi Fountain, 11 years after Salvi’s death. Still, the final product is largely his. 3. You can thank gambling for the fountain’s existence. Salvi’s project for the fountain was the least expensive as well, a possible deciding factor for Pope Clement.

In any case the pope approved the financing of the works and used the third extraction of the lotto game to pay for it. That’s right, the money earned from the reintroduction of the lotto in Rome financed the Trevi Fountain! The numbers of the first extraction were 56, 11, 54, 18 and 6, in case you were interested. 4. It’s made from the same material as the Colosseum… The fountain is mostly built from travertine stone, a name that means “from the Tiber” in Latin. A mineral made of calcium carbonate formed from spring waters, especially hot springs, the likely source was the city of Tivoli, about 22 miles from Rome. During construction many men were injured and a few died when working with enormous stone, including a stonecutter who was crushed by a large block of travertine in 1734. 5. And it uses a lot of water. The Trevi Fountain stands a massive 85 feet tall and is almost 65 feet wide.

With water pumping out of multiple sources and the large pool in front, the fountain spills about 2,824,800 cubic feet of water every day! No need to fret though, today the water is recycled (meaning unlike the ancient Romans you’ll have to drink from the nearby drinking fountains instead!) With millions of tourists visiting Rome every year, the Trevi Fountain has a large audience! Photo by Gina Mussio 6. The fountain is charitable When the fountain is open roughly €3,000 is thrown into it every day as people follow the tradition of throwing coins over their shoulders. The legend holds that a coin thrown into the fountain will ensure a return to Rome. This tradition also dates back to the ancient Romans who often threw coins in water to make the gods of water favor their journey or help them get back home safely. (Throw in a second coin if you’re seeking love – even a third for wedding bells!) What many don’t know is that the coins are collected every night and given to an Italian charity called Caritas. Caritas, in turn, use the money for a supermarket program giving rechargeable cards to Rome’s needy to help them get groceries. 7.

It’s a crime to steal the coins from the Trevi Perhaps for just that reason, it’s illegal to fish out coins from the fountain. In the past it was common for gangs of thieves to sweep the coins out of the fountain at night. In fact, three were caught by a T.V. show using a hidden camera in 2011. The most famous raider, however, was known by his nickname, d’Artagnan. He stole the coins from the fountain for 34 years before he was caught in the summer of 2002. 8. The white stone fountain has been black…and red. In 1996 the fountain was turned off and draped in black crepe to honor actor Marcello Mastroianni after his death. Mastroianni starred in La Dolce Vita, a movie whose most famous scene was filmed in the Trevi Fountain, making the fountain more famous than ever. In 2007 the fountain wore a different color after a vandal dumped a liquid substance into the fountain turning the water red. This caused water that fell from the fountain to be red as well, since it uses a closed circuit water system.

While there was a fear that the liquid would have permanently damaged the monument, the water was drained fast enough that there was no damage, only a crowd of very surprised tourists! 9. This famous fountain is famous on film too! A famed sight for tourists from throughout the world, the Trevi Fountain is quite the stage prop as well! Besides La Dolce Vita, when Anita Ekberg jumped into the Trevi Fountain with her clothes on, the massive monument has been featured in many films including Roman Holiday, Three Coins in the Fountain and even The Lizzie McGuire Movie. The fountain is even replicated at Epcot in Walt Disney World! It’s not called the golden hour for nothing – twilight is a special time to tour the Eternal City. Photo by Patrick Morgan Want to learn first hand about Trevi Fountain?Try our Twilight City Stroll while in Rome to experience the Fountain, Spanish Steps and other Roman gems in a new light, with more fascinating facts and anecdotes from our expert guides!

Rome's Trevi Fountain reopens after $2.4M restoration Rome's Trevi Fountain reopens after $2.4M restoration Wednesday, 4 Nov 2015 | 10:26 AM ET CNBC.com Thursday, 5 Nov 2015 | 10:00 AM ET | 00:35 One of Italy's greatest splendors is gracing its beauty once again, after it was kept hidden under scaffolding for several months. Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain revealed its emerald waters to the public on Tuesday, after spending 17 months under reconstruction, which cost around 2.2 million euros ($2.4 million). The project was sponsored by Rome-based fashion house, Fendi, who announced their involvement in the restoration in January 2013. The restoration is part of its "Fendi for Fountains" project, which hopes to preserve parts of Rome's culture. A famous tradition of the Fountain is for people to toss a coin over their shoulder into the Trevi's waters, which—legend has it—ensures a return to the city for visitors.

ALBERTO PIZZOLI | AFP | Getty Images A picture shows the restored Trevi fountain during its inauguration on November 3, 2015 in central Rome. During the renovation, water was drained from the fountain's basin; however to keep the tradition going, a small basin was set up at the rim of the fountain, so coins could still be thrown. In the past, around 2,000 to 3,000 euros a day were thrown into the Trevi Fountain, according to media reports. Fendi wanted to get involved in restoring the iconic fountain, saying on its website that it was a way for the company to give something back to city. It added that the Italian capital has been a big "part of Fendi's creative heritage." The fashion house has also described its relationship with Rome and the fountains as a "love story." GABRIEL BOUYS | AFP | Getty Images Workers carry out restoration work on the Trevi Fountain in central Rome on July 24, 2015. Elsewhere in the Italian city, luxury brands are dipping their toes into several restoration projects, to preserve Rome's iconic landmarks for several centuries to come.

High-end jeweler Bulgari is revamping the Spanish Steps, which is a famous slope between the Piazza di Spagna and the Piazza Trinità dei Monti. Luxury shoe designer Tod's is completing a restoration of the iconic Colosseum. The Trevi fountain marked its original completion in 1762 and was commissioned by Pope Clement XII. The designer behind the project was Italian architect, Nicola Salvi. It has been a popular image in many films over the years, including Federico Fellini's "La Dolce Vita" and the 1953 film "Roman Holiday," which stars Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. ‹

Question: What is traditionally thrown into the Trevi Fountain, Rome
Answer: Coins