Relaxing at Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain - Rome, Italy

Rome is known for its fountains and one of the most spectacular and famous fountains can be found in the heart of Rome. It is Trevi Fountain, which derives its name from its position at the intersection of three roads (tre vie). The Trevi fountain stands at the end of the Aqua Virgo, which is one of the ancient aqueducts that supplied fresh water to Rome since 19 B.C. It brings water all the way from the Salone Springs, which is situated over 20 km away.

In 1485, Pope Nicholas V commissioned Gianlorenzo Bernini to create the fountain, but the project had to be abandoned when Pope Urban VIII died in 1644. It wasn't until 1732, when Pope Clement XII employed Niccolò Salvi to continue with the work, that the work resumed.

The Baroque masterpiece, that completely dominates the little square today, features the sea god Neptune in a chariot in the form of a shell dominating the center of the fountain. The chariot is pulled by two sea horses, with each sea horse being guided by a Triton.

According to legend, anyone who throws a coin into the water is guaranteed to return to the Eternal City of Rome. The coin should be tossed over your shoulder while you are standing with your back to the fountain.

Our first visit to Trevi Fountain was on Sunday afternoon following our day at the Vatican. We had walked from there and wound our way to the center of the ancient part of Rome. As you can see from the first picture above, the fountain draws quite a crowd. Despite the crowds, it is usually possible to make your way down to the fountain for a photo and perhaps find a spot to sit for awhile and marvel at the fountain.

We actually stayed there for quite awhile, waiting for the sun to start setting, so that the fountain lights would be on. You can see more pictures, including those at dusk, in our
Trevi Fountain Photo Album on our Facebook Fan Page.  Be sure to become a fan so that you are notified when we add more albums from this cruise. 

The Legend is True !! After tossing our coins into the fountain on that Sunday afternoon, we did indeed return to Rome, and to Trevi Fountain, following our cruise. Once again we tossed coins into the fountain. We now have to wait for our next visit to Rome.

Additional photos can be found on our Facebook Albums.




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