Fascinating Facts About the Trevi Fountain in Rome
The Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, captivates visitors with its grandeur and rich history. Beyond its stunning beauty, there are many interesting facts about this world-famous fountain. Let’s dive into some fascinating details that make the Trevi Fountain a must-see in the Eternal City.
1. The Meaning Behind the Name ‘Trevi’
The name ‘Trevi’ comes from the Latin word trivium, which means “three-ways.” This refers to the point where three roads converge at Piazza dei Cruciferi. Interestingly, the fountain also shares its name with Trivia, the Roman goddess who protected city streets. Trivia had three heads, symbolizing her ability to watch over everything happening around her at the junctions where three roads met.
2. The First Trevi Fountain Served a Practical Purpose
In medieval times, public water fountains had a simple purpose: providing fresh drinking water. The original Trevi Fountain, built in 1453 by architect Leon Battista Alberti, served as the terminal point for the Aqua Virgo aqueduct. This aqueduct channeled water from natural springs to the people of Rome. For over a century, this fountain was the city’s only source of pure water, making it a vital resource for locals who collected water in buckets to take home.
3. Bernini’s Involvement in the Fountain’s Evolution
While the renowned architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini designed several of Rome’s iconic fountains like the central fountain on Piazza Navona, he didn’t design the current Trevi Fountain. However, he did play a significant role in its development. In 1629, Pope Urban VIII commissioned Bernini to redesign the Trevi Fountain. Bernini dismantled the old structure and relocated the aqueduct’s outlet to its current position. He used stones from the tomb of Cecilia Metella on the Appian Way, sparking public outrage, which halted the project. Although Bernini didn’t complete the fountain, his semicircular basin concept set the foundation for the current design.
4. Nicola Salvi: The Fountain’s Visionary Designer
Nicola Salvi, a poet and philosopher with no formal architectural training, designed the present-day Trevi Fountain. He began working on the fountain in 1732, envisioning it as a grand waterfall emerging from the facade of a palazzo. Despite his lack of experience, Salvi brought a theatrical flair to his design. Unfortunately, both Salvi and the sculptor responsible for the fountain’s figures died before its completion. The fountain was finally inaugurated in May 1762, showcasing Salvi’s dramatic vision.
5. Oceanus, Not Neptune, Reigns Over the Fountain
Contrary to popular belief, the central figure in the Trevi Fountain is not Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, but Oceanus, the Greek god of all water. Instead of Neptune’s typical trident and dolphin, Oceanus is surrounded by sea horses and Tritons—half-man, half-fish figures. The scene symbolizes the dual nature of water: the Triton on the left struggles to control a wild horse, representing rough seas, while the Triton on the right guides a calm steed, symbolizing peaceful waters. The figures of Agrippa and Virgo flank the fountain, representing abundance and health.
In 2015 the Trevi Fountain was undergoing restoration, but the fountain is now back in operation.
6. The Magic of Trevi’s Waters
In the late 19th century, a popular belief emerged that drinking water from the Trevi Fountain would guarantee a return to Rome. While it’s now forbidden to drink directly from the fountain, a portable water source located at the right corner allows visitors to fill up their bottles. Many still follow this tradition, hoping that the fountain’s magic will bring them back to the city.
7. Throwing Coins for Good Fortune
One of the most famous traditions associated with the Trevi Fountain is tossing a coin over your shoulder to ensure a safe return to Rome. This practice has roots in ancient Roman customs, where people would sacrifice coins in rivers and lakes to appease the gods, hoping for protection on their journeys home. Some also speculate that this tradition started as an early form of crowd-funding to help cover the fountain’s maintenance costs.
8. The Fountain Collects Thousands of Euros Daily
According to Wikipedia, an estimated €3,000 worth of coins is tossed into the Trevi Fountain by hopeful visitors each day. Every night, the city collects the money and donates it to Caritas, an Italian charity organization. Caritas uses the funds to support various programs, including a supermarket initiative that provides rechargeable grocery cards to Rome’s needy citizens.
9. The Trevi Fountain in Poetry and Film
Over the years, the Trevi Fountain has inspired writers and filmmakers alike. Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote about it in his novel The Marble Faun. In the film world, the fountain has appeared in classics like Three Coins in the Fountain and Roman Holiday, starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. However, the most famous cinematic moment featuring the Trevi Fountain is undoubtedly from La Dolce Vita, where Anita Ekberg and Marcello Mastroianni share an iconic scene. When Mastroianni passed away in 1996, the fountain was turned off and draped in black as a tribute to the beloved actor.
10. A €2 Million Restoration Brought the Fountain Back to Life
From June 2014 to November 2015, visitors to Rome found the Trevi Fountain closed for a massive €2 million restoration. The fountain was drained and surrounded by fencing as experts carefully restored its intricate stonework. After over a year of painstaking work, the Trevi Fountain reopened in all its glory, drawing even larger crowds than before.
The Trevi Fountain continues to captivate visitors with its beauty, history, and cultural significance. Whether you’re admiring the grand sculpture of Oceanus, tossing a coin for good luck, or reflecting on its role in art and film, the Trevi Fountain remains a must-visit destination in Rome.
This blog post was last updated in October 2024
Interesting…
Thank you.
You forgot to mention Toto ‘:
Toto has succeeded in sell Fontana !!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rYuIz54TQY
How could I forget one of the greatest Italian comedians of the 20th century? My apologies:)
Tip #10 is great – thanks for the heads up. Love that you offer these insights.
Can’t help it. I’m hopelessly curious by nature.
i went there Aug 1, 2014. I was disappointed to see the scaffolding
Understandably. It’s always annoying to miss one of the major attractions.
This was all so interesting to read about Trevi. I know I didn’t do my fair share of research about the fountain other than which shoulder to throw my coins from to return to Rome. Therefore, I just assumed the sea god was Neptune. The Trevi fountain is so spectacular especially at night.
Yes. It’s a nice fountain to bump into during an evening stroll in Rome.
That much money? Interesting! I loved it, it is really pretty and I must say that I was really surprised when I found a smaller recreation of it in a park of Guatemala.
How interesting. Wonder if there are other copies of the Trevi Fountain around the world….
A shame the designers didn’t get to see the completed project. Lots of stuff here we didn’t know, thanks – and on a selfish level, we’re very glad we got to see the fountain minus the scaffolding. ;)
Julia
Me too. It looks better when it’s not behind bars, and afterwards I’m sure it will be prettier than ever.
Great facts. I didn’t know much about the Trevi Fountain I must admit. I threw my change into it and moved on. That’s about it :) I did know about the fresh spring water though and I believe you can still drink from the fountains in Italy. I remember one of our guides drinking from the fire hydrant looking thing on one of our tours. You can tell I did my research eh? ;-)
No need for research, if you have got the right guides. But you are absolutely right. You can drink from all street fountains in Italy, unless they are red and have a valve for a hose instead of a mouth-sized tap.
Very interesting! Loved the details about what the figures represent. Also good to know the unfortunate fact that the fountain will be closed off when we make our first trip to Rome in May 2015. :(
Ohh, that’s a pity. But if you take a sip and throw a coin you will see it next time you’re in Rome.
3000 euros! Good to see tourists (perhaps unwittingly) contributing that much to charity. One of my favourite things about the Trevi fountain is its somewhat ‘hidden’ location. Rather than being in the middle of a huge piazza, there it suddenly appears as you turn a corner.
That’s right. It must be strange for the people occupying the house behind the fountain, though, to have so many tourists staring at your windows every day.
Fact #8 was my favorite! That’s great that all that money goes to those in need. Interesting list!
Yes. It’s good to know all the coins fulfil some wishes.
I’ve been to the Trevi fountain but had no idea about most of these facts! I think it’s great that all the money thrown into it goes towards such a good cause ☺ I never really stopped to thinkabout what happens to all that cash!
No, it’s a small fortune superstition generates every day.
It is so beautiful, Mette! I liked the parts about the magic in the water and the God Oceanus the best. I’m soooo jazzed that you have included maps in the posts! I’m a map “addict” :)
I can’t do without a map either, though I’m not sure if it’s an age thing. With a gps it is not that essential anymore.
The building that is behind the fountain, when was it built? I can only find it’s name online: Palazzo dei Duchi di Polis but no other info.
Did the fountain free stand when it was first built? It’s height is impressive.
Interesting question. As I understand it, the Trevi Fountain has always been a wall fountain, and the built in the same period as the Palazzo Poli behind it.
Thank you for the information! Seeing the Trevi fountain is a dream to me! *_*
Wish I get to visit Rome & the Trevi fountain one day.
I’m sure you will make it sooner or later:)
I just watched the movie Roman Holiday and there were children playing in the fountain and hanging off the horses heads. The movie was filmed in 1953. Were people allowed in the fountain back then?
Great article! I learned so much about the Trevi Fountain in Rome. It’s fascinating to know that the name ‘Trevi’ has such a unique origin, and the historical transformation of the fountain from a functional water source to the magnificent piece of art we see today is truly remarkable. Nicola Salvi’s unconventional background and his vision for the fountain make it even more intriguing. Thanks for sharing these interesting facts!
Thank you for taking the time to comment.