Top 12 most famous and iconic fountains of Rome | Rome Bit by Bite Rome Bit by Bite Your Guide to (re-)discovering Rome and Vatican City Main menu Top 12 most famous and iconic fountains of Rome Posted on 1. Trevi Fountain The Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain of Rome and probably one of the most famous fountains in the world, especially after Anita Ekberg bathed in the fountain in the Fellini movie La Dolce Vita. Anita Ekberg and Marcello Mastroianni photographed by the set photographer Pierluigi Praturlon on the set of La Dolce Vita (Fellini, 1960). Designed by Nicola Salvi in a style inspired by Bernini, the fountain took 30 years to complete. The original plans for the Trevi fountain had been designed by Bernini, but when Urbano VIII, his commissioner, died in 1644, Bernini fell in disgrace and the project was halted for 60 years. It was taken over by Nicola Salvi under the papacy of Clement XII, but it was not until 3 decades later that the Trevi fountain could finally be inaugurated by Pope Clement XIII.

The main theme of the Trevi fountain is the sea, with as central statue Ocean (or Neptune). Next to Ocean, who rides a shell-shaped chariot pullet by two sea horses and two tritons, stand Salubrity and Abundance (health and well being). The two horses, a calm one and a wild one, represent the two states of the sea. Trevi Fountain detail The central Statue of the Ocean (1759-62) stands on a shell-shaped chariot, pulled by two finned sea horses lead by two tritons. The name of the fountain is believed to derive from tre vie, referring to the three roads that converge on the eponymous square. Another explanation is that the place was named after the young virgin Trivia who discovered the spring that was used to bring water to Rome through a long canal called Acqua Vergine. As we saw above, it was Clement XII who subsequently commissioned Nicolà Salvi to adorn the end of the canal with a majestic fountain. The fountain also appears as a background in the videoclip of the Bon Jovi song Thank You For Loving Me. 2.

Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi), Piazza Navona Located at the center of the beautiful Piazza Navona, the Fountain of the Four Rivers was commissioned in 1651 by Pope Innocent X, whose family palace, the Palazzo Pamphilj, faced onto the piazza. An unusual view of the Fountain of the Four Rivers. Photo © Giampiero Pecorini. The four river Gods, which are the protagonists of the Fountain of the Four Rivers represent the four continents then known: the Danube (Europe), the Rio de la Plata (the Americas), the Nile (Africa) and the Ganges (Asia). To complete the four allegorical characters, Bernini sought the help of several sculptors: Claude Poussin for the Ganges, Giacomo Antonio Fancelli for the Nile, Antonio Raggi il Lombardo for the Danube and Francesco Baratta for the Rio della Plata. Read more at: the Four River Gods of Piazza Navona Rio de la Plata (“silver river”, representing the Americas) 3.

Fontana delle Tartarughe (Turtle Fountain), Piazza Mattei Created by Taddeo Landini in 1581-1584, probably after a design by Giacomo Della Porta, the late Renaissance fountain was supposed to include four dolphins instead of the four turtles. However, during restoration works led by Bernini in 1658, the empty spaces left by the missing dolphins were filled with four turtles, a recurrent subject of Bernini, which were already used on the Palazzo Barberini fountain. The turtles are so well integrated into the fountain that it is hard to believe that they were added only a century later! 4. Fountain of the Naiads, Piazza della Repubblica Built in 1870, the Fountain of the Naiads counts four groups of reclining nymphs, symbolizing the spirits of rivers and springs. The nymphs as well as the central Glaucus, the mythical fisherman who became a sea god, are by Mario Rutelli (1901-1911). 5.

Triton Fountain (Fontana del Tritone), Piazza Barberini The Baroque style Triton Fountain on Piazza Barberini was entirely designed and sculpted by Bernini. It is an important work as it was Bernini’s first official commission for a public fountain, sculpted in 1643. The fountain was meant to celebrate the proximity of the papal residence, reason why it contains many references to Urban VIII (such as the Barberini bees), patron of the masterpiece. Note that the bees from the Barberini coat of arms are the main subject in another one of Rome’s fountains, the Fontana delle Api. The initial intent of Bernini was that the spray would reach the scallop shell and from there the water would overflow into the lower basins, but as the water pressure is now lower than at the time when Bernini designed the fountain, some of the initial effect has been lost now. 6. Fountain of the Frogs (Fontana delle Rane), Piazza Mincio The Fountain of the Frogs is located at the center of the architecturally unusual and beautiful quarter, known as the Coppedè quarter . The fountain became world famous after the Beatles stepped, fully dressed, into it.

Nearby was a famous bar, the Piper, frequented by celebrities such as the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and Nirvana, where the Beatles used to hang out in the sixties. 7. Fontana dell’Acqua Paola Better known as the Fontanone del Gianicolo (big fountain on the Janiculum Hill), the Fontana dell’acqua Paola, is THE Roman fountain par excellence. Designed by Giovanni Fontana, the fountain originally had five ponds. They were changed into one single pond in 1690, based on a design made by Bernini for the Trevi fountain that was never carried out. The opening scene of the Italian movie La Grande Bellezza by Paolo Sorrentino was filmed at the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola. 8. Fontana della Botticella or Fontana del Facchino (Porter’s Fountain), Via di Ripetta Created in 1580, the Facchino is part of a series of six ‘Talking’ Statues that can be found in various parts of Rome. Why they are referred to as talking statues and what their history is, can be read here .

The Facchino is the youngest of them, as it is ‘only’ 432 years old. Only two of the other Talking statues are also fountains: the Babuino and Marforio . The fountain represents an acquarolo, a man carrying a barrel containing water from the Tiber that he would sell from door to door at a time when the Roman aqueducts were under repair and the city’s fountains were dry. 9. Fontana del Mascherone, Via Giulia The Fontana del Mascherone is made of a marble mask standing above a huge granite bassin. Both probably stem from an ancient Roman building, before they were moved to their current location at the intersection of Via Giulia and Via del Mascherone. 10. Fontana delle Anfore, Testaccio Fontana delle Anfore. Photo © Giampiero Pecorini. The Fontana delle Anfore on Piazza del Emporio was designed by the architect Pietro Lombardi for the newly defined official rione Testaccio in the 1920s. The amphora is intrinsically linked to the history of Testaccio and the origin of its name.

Indeed, it was in this area on the left bank of the Tiber that the clay amphorae which were used to transport wine and oil into Rome, were stored once they had been emptied in Rome. It was prohibited by law to re-use the amphorae (especially the ones containing oil) once they had been emptied, so they were abandoned on the left bank of the Tiber after use. With the passing of decades, the shards (testae in Latin) had accumulated to form a 35 meter high hill, which came to be known as Mons Testaceus (Hill of Shards). Not surprisingly, when the area officially became the twentieth district of Rome, it chose the amphora as its symbol. 11. Fontana della Barcaccia, Piazza di Spagna Designed by the father of the famous Bernini, Pietro Bernini, the fountain was commissioned by Urban VIII in 1629 to commemorate the flood of 1598. The form of the fountain is supposed to express the idea of a boat stranded in Piazza di Spagna during the severe flood of the Tiber. The boat is decorated at either end with the suns and bees of the Barberini coat of arms.

12. Fontana del Moro Originally designed by Giacomo della Porta in 1575, who also designed the fountain on the other side of the Fountain of the Four Rivers on Piazza Navona. The original fountain had four tritons and a central dolphin, but was later renovated by Bernini, who added the central figure of the Moor holding a dolphin by the tail. A story goes that Bernini purposely made the Moor’s face look like Pasquino, which would have been a kind of disguised insult, as Pasquino was another of Rome’s talking statues, which were used to post caustic and satirical messages against the religious and civil authorities of the city. – See more at: Talking Statues of Rome .

Photo credits: all photos © Rome Bit by Bite, except (from top to bottom): Trevi Fountain © Beboy_ltd; Trevi Fountain © pacaypalla; Trevi Fountain detail by Gemma Louise ; Trevi Fountain © oneinchpunch/Istockphoto; Unusual view of the Fountain of the Four Rivers © Giampiero Pecorini ; Fontana delle Tartarughe by ka jo and Patrick M ; Fountain of the Naiads by Gwenael Piaser ; Fountain of the Naiads detail © maxphotography/Istockphoto; Triton Fountain © Manakin; Fontana della Rane by mksfca ; Fontana dell’acqua Paola by Stefano Petroni ; Fontana del Mascherone by Luc De Leeuw ; Fontana delle Anfore © Giampiero Pecorini ; Fontana delle Anfore by Lalupa ; Spanish steps fountain © phant/Istockphoto; Barcaccia fountain detail © maxphotography/Istockphoto. Best Fountains to See in Rome, Italy • Trevi Fountain The most famous fountain in all of Italy is the Trevi Fountain, an over-the-top Baroque masterpiece completed only in 1762.

At all hours of the day, the Fontana di Trevi is thronged by tourists who visit it to throw coins into its pool in the hopes that this practice will ensure a return trip to Rome. Other than the cost of a coin or two, it costs nothing to see the Trevi Fountain, making it one of Rome's Top Free Atrractions . The Trevi Fountain is featured in several of the top movies set in Rome . Having undergone a thorough cleaning at the end of 2015, it's now open and back to its dazzling white beauty. More » continue reading below our video Tips for Visiting Rome Four Rivers Fountain in Piazza Navona. © by Martha Bakerjian • Bernini Fountains One of the most prolific artists in Rome was Gianlorenzo Bernini, who was active artistically from 1622-1680. In addition to breathing life into the marvelous marble creations that can be seen in the Borghese Gallery , Bernini sculpted several fountains in the city, the most famous of which is the Four Rivers Fountain in Piazza Navona .

Other Bernini fountains appear across the city, including the Fontana del Tritone in Piazza Barberini and the Fontana della Barcaccia just below the Spanish Steps . Find out more in where to see Bernini's art in Rome . • Fontana delle Naiadi Dating from the 19th to the early 20th centuries, the Fontana delle Naiadi, or the Fountain of the Nymphs, is perhaps Rome's most sensual fountain. The large fountain which decorates the Piazza della Repubblica, features a central pool on which Glaucus, the Water God is perched surrounded by four naiads – nymphs – which represent the four types of water: the rivers, the oceans, the lakes, and the underground waters. Turtle Fountain. © by James Martin, Europe Travel • Fontana delle Tartarughe A diminutive fountain in an out-of-the-way square, the "Turtle Fountain", Fontana delle Tartarughe, is worth seeking out.

Designed by Giacomo della Porta, who also designed the fountains on either end of Piazza Navona, this playful fountain features four male figures propped up on dolphins and assisting tiny turtles into the small pool above them. Located in Piazza Mattei in the Jewish Ghetto neighborhood, not far from Campo de' Fiori, the fountain is a nice diversion and the neighborhood is a good place for a stroll, too. Fountain in Saint Peter's Square. James Martin 10 Most Famous Fountains In The World - 10 Most Today 10 Most Famous Fountains In The World 2 Comments 1. Bellagio Fountains, Las Vegas, United States – The Fountains of Bellagio are huge fountains located on a manmade lake in front of the Bellagio hotel. The fountains feature a vast choreographed water performances set to light and music. The performances take place in front of the Bellagio hotel and are visible from the strip. The show takes place every 30 minutes in the afternoons and early evenings, and every 15 minutes from 8 pm to midnight.

The fountain display is choreographed to various pieces of music, including “Time To Say Goodbye”, “Your Song”, “Viva Las Vegas”, “Luck Be a Lady”, and “My Heart Will Go On” Most Famous Fountains: Bellagio Fountains, Las Vegas 2. Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy – Trevi Fountain, or Fontana di Trevi, is a one of the world’s most famous fountains, located in the Trevi district in Rome. It is 26.3 metres (86 ft) high and 49.15 metres (161.3 ft) wide. It is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world. According to the famous legend, if you throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, you will return to Rome Most Famous Fountains: Trevi Fountain, Rome 3. Magic Fountain of Montjuic, Barcelona, Spain – A fountain located in the Montjuïc neighborhood of Barcelona . The fountain was constructed for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition. At that time it performed only light shows.

In the 1980s, music was incorporated with the light show and the fountain was completely restored prior to the 1992 Summer Olympics, held at Montjuïc. During the performances the area is crowded with thousands of tourists with cameras Most Famous Fountains: Magic Fountain of Montjuic, Barcelona 4. Fountain of Wealth, Singapore – The Fountain of Wealth is located in one of the largest shopping malls in Singapore called Suntec City. It is the World’s Largest Fountain according to the Guinness Book of Records. During certain periods of the day, the fountain is turned off and visitors are invited to walk around the mini fountain located in the center of the fountain to collect coins for good luck. During the night, the fountain is the setting for laser performances, as well as live song and laser message dedications between 8pm to 9pm daily Most Famous Fountains: Fountain of Wealth, Singapore 5. Friendship of the Peoples Fountain, Moscow, Russia – The fountain is one of the main features in the All-Russian Exhibition Center. The fountain contains 16 gilded statues, representing the Republics of Soviet Union Most Famous Fountains: Friendship of the Peoples Fountain, Moscow 6.

Fontana di Tivoli, Tivoli, Italy – Also known as Fontana dell’Ovato, this fountain is located in Villa d’Este, Tivoli. The fountain cascades from its oval shaped basin into a beautiful pool. The entire Villa was declared a UNESCO world heritage site. The fountain and beautiful surrounding gardens are one of the most popular destinations for one day trip from Rome Most Famous Fountains: Fontana di Tivoli, Tivoli 7. King Fahd’s Fountain, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Also known as the Jeddah Fountain, is the tallest fountain of its type in the world. Located in the coast of Jeddah, the fountain jets water 1,024 feet (312 m) in the air. which can be seen throughout the entire vicinity of Jeddah. The fountain uses saltwater taken from the Red Sea instead of freshwater. It uses over 500 spotlights to illuminate the fountain at night Most Famous Fountains: King Fahd’s Fountain, Jeddah 8. Archibald Fountain, Sydney, Australia – Also known as J. F.

Archibald Memorial Fountain, the fountain is widely regarded as the finest public fountain in Australia. It was unveiled in 1932 to commemorate the association of Australia and France in World War I. The fountain design is Inspired from classical Greek and Roman art and literature. The fountain depicts a bronze Apollo surrounded by other mythical figures and animals Most Famous Fountains: Archibald Fountain, Sydney 9. Samson Fountain at Peterhof Palace, Saint Petersburg, Russia – The Peterhof Palace is a series of palaces and gardens laid out on the orders of Peter the Great founded in 1710. They are often referred as the “Russian Versailles”. The palace has many fountains and the most important of them is Samson Fountains that was added In the 1730s. It depicts the moment when Samson tears open the jaws of a lion, representing Russia’s victory over Sweden in the Great Northern War Most Famous Fountains: Samson Fountain at Peterhof Palace, Saint Petersburg 10. Swarovski Fountain, Innsbruck, Austria – The Swarovski Fountain is the mouth of a glass-covered head which is the front of the crystal-themed museum called Swarovski Kristallwelten (Crystal Worlds).

It belongs to the Swarovski company and it houses exhibitions related to the crystals the company sells Most Famous Fountains: Swarovski Fountain, Innsbruck Most Famous Fountains in Rome - The Roman Guy Most Famous Fountains in Rome written by David Park December 11, 2015 Trevi Fountain Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in Rome & the world as the largest Baroque fountain of Rome. It was also a popular for being the background of scenes in different movies with the most famous one being “La Dolce Vita”, where actress Anita Eckberg bathes in the fountain. The 26 m high and 20 m wide fountain is a work started by Nicola Salvi and finished by Giuseppe Pannini which completed in 1762. It gets its name from the three streets (tre vie, three streets) that converge at the location, marking the terminal point of an aqueduct that supplied water to ancient Rome. Read this for more details and all the secrets behind this beautiful fountain in Rome.

Where The Trevi Fountain is located in Rome’s historic center on Via delle Muratte on a small square below the Quirinale Palace, a former papal residence and the modern-day home of the President of Italy. Eat & Drink La Fontana di Venere – Nice family owned restaurant with great Italian food and excellent service. They are known to have great pastas as well as desserts. La Prosciutteria Trevi – Known for its great quality meats and cheeses, the restaurant is a must-visit if you want to taste the traditional Italian meat and cheese with wine. Panino Ricco – It is a small panino shop in the back of Trevi Fountain with amazing sandwiches, pastas, and drinks. They also serve desserts with their Nutella and ricotta cheese desert Panini being their most popular dessert menu. L’Antico Forno di Fontana Trevi – It is a deli just a few steps away from the Fountain with freshly prepared, delicious snacks and a variety of drinks at a reasonable prices. It has everything from deli meats, cheeses, bread and wine. GO!

If you are taking the metro, Barberini is the closest metro stop, but if you want to see the Spanish Steps you could get off at the Spagna Metro station and walk from Piazza di Spagna, about a 10 minute walk. 2. Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana Dei Quattro Fiumi) Occupying the centre of Piazza Navona is the Fountain of the Four Rivers, the brilliant masterpiece of Baroque artist, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The impressive fountain, which was erected in 1651 for Pope Innocent X, depicts four river gods, each representing a major river on four continents: Danube–Europe, River de la Plata–America, Ganges–Asia, and the Nile–Africa. Rising from the fountain's centre, appearing almost weightless, is an Egyptian obelisk. WHERE The fountain is located in the center of Piazza Navona. Eat & Drink La Pace Del Palato – a small but homey family-owned restaurant with unique and excellent Italian food. It is known for having great pasta dishes as well as seafood and steak dishes. La Botticella – A bar with great atmosphere and great beer selection.

It is a great place to catch a quick drink and watch sports. Go! All the popular hop on, hop off sightseeing buses have a stop a few minutes walk away also providing access to the Piazza Navona. There is no Metro station nearby. By bus, the Piazza Argentina is on the route of many buses including the very frequent 40, 60 and 64 buses that shuttle between the Vatican, the centre of the city and then on up to wards Termini Station. 3. Fontana delle Naiadi Dating from the 19th to the early 20th centuries, the Fontana delle Naiadi, or the Fountain of the Nymphs, is perhaps Rome's most sensual fountain. The large fountain features a central pool on which Glaucus, the Water God is perched surrounded by four naiads – nymphs – which represent the four types of water: the rivers, the oceans, the lakes, and the underground waters. WHERE It is located in in Piazza della Repubblica Eat & Drink Mescolando Sapori del Mondo – Great affordable sandwich restaurant made with fresh produces.

Pipero al Rex – Michelin Star restaurant near the fountain with perfect service, quality ingredients, inventive plating and above average portions. It also offers great desserts. Go! Piazza della Repubblica is just around the corner from Termini, which is known by Romans as “Piazza Esedra”, a name in use until the end of the Fifties. #ItalyOurWay We constantly share our favorite pictures of the Trevi fountain, Colosseum and all other Italian landmarks and sights on our social media channels. Share yours with us too, we’d love to see them! Like us on Facebook , follow us on Twitter and Instagram to join in the conversation. We are always ready to chat! Need advice on taking a vacation in Italy? Just ask us! Discover More Want to learn some more abut the Trevi Fountain? Read our blog post “ The story behind the Trevi Fountain in Rome ” on The Roman Guy Blog . But why not take it a step further and come and see it! We will take you around the city in a luxury climate-controlled veghicle to see the Trevi Fountain and all the other famous sights of Rome on our Rome City Driving Tour .

There are some hidden gems thrown in there too and, of course, no city tour in Rome would be complete without a stop at one of Rome’s best gelaterias! Most Famous Fountains in Rome was last modified: May 30th, 2016 by David Park Trevi Fountain, Rome – The largest and most famous fountain in Rome Trevi Fountain, Rome – The largest and most famous fountain in Rome instant secure booking Transport Trevi Fountain, Rome – The largest and most famous fountain in Rome Attracting thousands of visitors every single day, the Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks and is a sight not to be missed whilst visiting the city. Positioned within the charming Trevi Square, the fountain is the largest in Rome and is adorned with magnificent statues and incredible sculptures. Standing within the small Trevi Square, in front of the impressive Palazzo Poli, a stunning palace which boasts some truly splendid examples of fine architecture, is the popular Trevi Fountain. Measuring a staggering 26 metres in height and a huge 49 metres wide, the Trevi Fountain is Rome’s largest and most beautiful fountain – one which attracts visitors from all over the world.

The fountain is sited at the end of the Aqua Virgo, an ancient aqueduct which supplies water to many of the city’s delightful fountains. Built in a Baroque style, the Trevi Fountain was commissioned by Pope Clement XII in 1732 and designed by the architect Nicola Salvi. Created by using Travertine stone from a nearby quarry, together with a covering of marble, the fountain was finally completed in 1762. Above the pool of cool, blue water at the base of the fountain, are an array of spectacular statues and sculptures. At the centre of the scene is the figure of Neptune, the God of the sea, who is riding upon a shell-shaped chariot which is drawn by two powerful seahorses, both of which are tamed by a Triton. Each horse symbolises the fluctuating moods of the sea, one is calm, the other is uneasy. Several other prominent figures can also be noted within the scenery of the fountain, including Agrippa – the general responsible for building the aqueduct which provides its water.

The Trevi Fountain is a highly recommended sight which is not to be missed whilst visiting Rome and looks even more splendid of an evening when it is beautifully illuminated to enhance its magnitude. Legend has it that if you turn your back to the fountain and toss a coin over your shoulder, you will definitely return to this fascinating city. Trevi Fountain, Rome Trevi Fountain 5 911 votes The Fontana di Trevi or Trevi Fountain is the most famous and arguably the most beautiful fountain in all of Rome. This impressive monument dominates the small Trevi Square located in the Quirinale district. Aqua Virgo Trevi Fountain The Trevi Fountain is situated at the end of the Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct constructed in 19 BC by Agrippa, the son-in-law of Emperor Augustus. The aqueduct brings water all the way from the Salone Springs (approx. 21km from Rome) and supplies the fountains in the historic center of Rome with water. According to legend, Agrippa sent out a group of soldiers to search for a spring near Rome. The spring was found after a young virgin (virgo) showed the source to the soldiers, hence the name of the aqueduct.

Construction of the Fountain Neptune Already in the fifteenth century a small Trevi Fountain was built here during the papacy of Nicholas V. In 1732, pope Clement XII commissioned Nicola Salvi to create a large fountain at the Trevi Square to replace the existing fountain. A previous undertaking to build the fountain after a design by Bernini was halted a century earlier after the death of pope Urban VIII. Salvi based his theatrical masterpiece on this design. He never saw his monumental Baroque fountain completed. The Trevi Fountain was only inaugurated in 1762, eleven years after Salvi had passed away. The Fountain The restive sea horse The obedient sea horse The fountain, which is designed like a monumental triumphal arch, was built against a wall of the Palazzo Poli. It measures twenty meters wide and twenty-six meters high and occupies more than half the square. The central figure of the fountain, standing in a large niche, is Neptune, god of the sea. He rides a shell-shaped chariot that is pulled by two sea horses. Each sea horse is guided by a Triton. One of the horses is calm and obedient, the other one restive. They symbolize the fluctuating moods of the sea.

The statues were sculpted by Pietro Bracci. On the left hand side of Neptune is a statue representing Abundance, the statue on the right represents Salubrity. Both these statues were the work of Filippo della Valle. Above the two allegorical statues are bas-reliefs. The one on the left shows Agrippa, the general who built the aqueduct that carries water to the fountain. Attic of the Trevi Fountain He is shown explaining his plan for the aqueduct to Augustus. The bas-relief on the right captures the moment the virgin points to the source of the spring. The allegorical statues on the top, in front of the attic, symbolize the four seasons. Crowning the top is the coat of arms of pope Clement XII. Water flows over artificial rocks into a large semicircular basin that represents the sea. Every day some eighty million liters of water flow through the fountain. The water is reused to supply several other Roman fountains, including the Fountain of the Four Rivers , the Tortoise Fountain and the Fountain of the Old Boat in front of the Spanish Steps . Tossing a Coin The crowded square Tradition has it that you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the fountain's water basin.

You should toss it with your right hand over your left shoulder (or left hand over your right shoulder) with your back to the fountain. You're not allowed to look behind you while you're tossing the coin but the fountain is so large it's basically impossible to miss. Rome's most famous fountain - BrowsingRome BrowsingRome You are here: Home / Browsing Rome / Rome’s most famous fountain Rome’s most famous fountain Posted by: Diana on April 20, 2010 in Browsing Rome , featured , Rome Attractions 8 Comments 1,854 views 0 Rome’s famous Trevi fountain has been astounding visitors for centuries, including Charles Dickens who described it as a ‘silvery sight to the eye and ear’. Indeed the amount of gushing water it produces makes it heard before it is seen. The fountain is always crowded with visitors and I can assure you of this. The only time, it is probably quiet is early in the mornings.

When I would be here in Rome for the holidays, I would insist on going to the Trevi fountain to throw in a coin into the fountain because it is believed throwing a coin into the fountain, preferably over the left shoulder, will ensure your return to Rome. Judging by the number of coins tossed in, it’s clear many wish to return to the Eternal City again. What amazes me about the Trevi fountain is that it is the facade of a building. I mean, when you are walking towards the fountain from Via del Tritone, you are wondering where could a fountain be among all these buildings. And then out of nowhere, you see this magnificent fountain. It’s really hard to believe that this wonderful work of art was commissioned by Pope Clement XII in 1732. The central figure of the fountain is Oceanus, or Neptune, and the two giant tritons and their horses pulling his shell chariot represent the stormy sea. Other statues represent Health and Abundance, along with The Four Seasons, each carrying appropriate gifts. Actually, the original fountain on this site marked the end of the Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct built by Agrippa in 19 BC.

The bas reliefs on the fountains second tier show the picture of a virgin showing the soldiers the spring which became the name of the aqueduct. The fountain itself is named after the three roads leading into the piazza, the ‘tre vie’ and is thought to have been the work of Nicola Salvi. Although the Trevi fountain is the most famous in Rome, there are many more fountains in the Eternal City! Interesting Facts about the Trevi Fountain | Around Rome Tours You are in ›› Around Rome Tours - blog article view - Back to blog listing Interesting Facts about the Trevi Fountain Date: 2014-01-28 14:11:44 Author: Samuel Heenan Comments: (1) The Trevi Fountain is one of the top attractions in Rome and one of the most famous fountains in the world. Daily thousands of visitors make their way to the Fontana di Trevi. 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.

Coins aside it is a wonderful spectacle nestled in the narrow streets of the city centre you will find crowds here day and night. Below you will find some interesting facts about Rome's most impressive fountain. 1.) The Trevi Fountain is situated at the end of the Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct constructed in 19 BC by Agrippa, the son-in-law of Emperor Augustus. 2.) The Trevi Fountain, or Fontana di Trevi in Italian, is Italy’s largest and most famous Baroque fountain, standing 85 feet high and 65 feet across. 3.) The central figure of the fountain, standing in a large niche, is Neptune, god of the sea. 4.) The fountain took 30 years to build upon completion in 1762. It replaced a previous less glamorous fountain in its place. 5.) The Contest to design the fountain was won by Alessandro Galilei over Nicola Salvi, however as Galilei was a florentine and Salvi Roman, outcry in the capital led to the commission being given to Salvi.

6.) Nicola Salvi died in 1751 and never lived to see the completed version which was finished by the architect and painter Giuseppe Pannini. 7.) The tossing of a coin into the Trevi Fountain has pagan origins, that the tossed coin is an offer to the Goddes of the Waters, to please her begging the Goddess to support them, to make their vessels return safely home, to protect a relative during his/her journey by sea… 8.) The Trevi Fountain stands at the junction of three roads, ceremoniously marking the end point of one of Rome’s earliest aqueducts, Aqua Virgo. It’s location led to it’s rather literal name- Fontana di Trevi means Three Street Fountain. 9.) The three streets of Trevi are Via De' Crocicchi, Via Poli and Via Delle Muratte. 10.) Every night about 3,000 Euros are swept up from the bottom of the basin. The money is donated to Caritas, a catholic charity, who uses the money to provide services for needy families in Rome.

11.) Italian fashion company, Fendi, announced in January 2013 that it would fund a 2.2 millon Euro restoration of Trevi Fountain, this 20 month project will be the most thorough restoration in the fountain’s history. 12.) In 1996 the fountain was turned off and draped in black crepe in honour of recently deceased actor Marcello Mastroianni who had filmed a famous scene there in La Dolce Vita. 13.) The aqueduct of Aqua Virgo brings water all the way from the Salone Springs (approx. 21km from Rome) and supplies the Trevi fountain and the other fountains in the historic center of Rome with water. 14.) Many men were injured and few died during the construction of the fountain. In 1734 a stone-cutter was crushed by a large block of travertine. in 1736 a mason fell from the roof and died. In 1740 an apprentice slipped on the Travertine and passed away after many head lesions. 15.) Every day it spills 80.000 cubic meter of water (2,824,800 cubic feet).

16.) The inscription on the attic says: CLEMENS XII PONT. MAX. AQUAM VIRGINEM COPIA ET SALUBRITATE COMMENDATAM CULTO MAGNIFICO ORNAVIT ANNO DOMINI MDCCXXXV PONT VI. Translation: Clemens XII Pontifex Maximus decorated the Virgin Acqueduct and committed it with abundance and salubrity to the magnific cult in the Year of the Lord 1735, 6th year of his pontificat. 17.) The fountain is backed by the Poli Palace that belonged to the Conti Family dukes of Poli, a town in the Lazio Region. Today the palace houses the National Institute of Graphic Art. 18.) The fountain is mostly built of travertine stone. The name of this stone derives from the Latin adjective tiburtinus, which means from Tibur, the actula city of Tivoli, about 22 miles (35 kilometers) East of Rome.

Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy - Lonely Planet © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap contributors The Fontana di Trevi, scene of Anita Ekberg's dip in La Dolce Vita, is a flamboyant baroque ensemble of mythical figures and wild horses. It takes up the entire side of the 17th-century Palazzo Poli. A Fendi-sponsored restoration finished in 2015, and the fountain now gleams brighter than it has for years. The tradition is to toss a coin into the water, thus ensuring that you'll return to Rome – on average about €3000 is thrown in every day. The fountain's design, the work of Nicola Salvi in 1732, depicts sea-god Oceanus in a shell-shaped chariot being led by Tritons with seahorses – one wild, one docile – representing the moods of the sea. In the niche to the left of Neptune a statue represents Abundance; to the right is Salubrity. The water comes from the aqua virgo, a 1st-century-BC underground aqueduct, and the name Trevi refers to the tre vie (three roads) that converge at the fountain.

The fountain gets very busy during the day, so it's worth trying to visit later in the evening when you can appreciate its foaming majesty without such great hordes.

Question: What is the most famous fountain in Rome?
Answer: Trevi Fountain