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Toss a Coin and Celebrate the Sea at the Trevi Fountain
Published by Angela Jill, Writer
Country: Italy 
The Experience
The most common way to experience the Trevi Fountain in Rome is with your back to it. It is said that anyone who turns around and throws a penny (or a centesimo) into the fountain are sure to return to Rome one day. Although the Trevi Fountain's Baroque charm can't be appreciated from this angle, it does allow you to take in the whirlwind of activity that is constantly happening around the famous basin. Surrounded by gelato vendors, budding romances, and gladiators posing with tourists, the Trevi Fountain is a jewel of water and stone nestled into the Palazzo Poli.
Trevi Fountain history recounts the construction of a simple basin in 1453 to mark the end of the aqueduct, Aqua Virgo, which had been used on and off since approximately 19BC. In 1629, the Trevi Fountain was moved from one side of the square to the other so that the Pope, who lived in the Quirinal palace, could see it from his window. Aptly enough for a fountain resembling a stage, the whimsical Trevi Fountain has been the backdrop for many films including "Three Coins in a Fountain" and "La Dolce Vita".
Mythology behind the Trevi Fountain is both appropriate and interesting. The current sculpture done by Nicola Salvi, was commissioned by Pope Clement VII, and depicts a scene of Rome's waters being tamed. Tritons or mermen control their hippocampi (half horse, half sea creatures) and guide Oceanus, God of the Sea, as he rides his shell chariot. One of the hippocampi is tame and easy to guide, while the other is wild, depicting how volatile and unpredictable the sea can be. The message behind the Trevi Fountain is that the Gods tame the water for the benefit of Rome. The idea of providence is very appropriate, as the income from all the coin-tossers (approximately 3000 Euros per day) provides for the less fortunate of Roman citizens in the form of a subsidized grocery store. So when you visit the Trevi Fountain and toss a coin in, think of it as an investment with returns, both for the less fortunate and to ensure your next visit to Rome.
Trevi Fountain history recounts the construction of a simple basin in 1453 to mark the end of the aqueduct, Aqua Virgo, which had been used on and off since approximately 19BC. In 1629, the Trevi Fountain was moved from one side of the square to the other so that the Pope, who lived in the Quirinal palace, could see it from his window. Aptly enough for a fountain resembling a stage, the whimsical Trevi Fountain has been the backdrop for many films including "Three Coins in a Fountain" and "La Dolce Vita".
Mythology behind the Trevi Fountain is both appropriate and interesting. The current sculpture done by Nicola Salvi, was commissioned by Pope Clement VII, and depicts a scene of Rome's waters being tamed. Tritons or mermen control their hippocampi (half horse, half sea creatures) and guide Oceanus, God of the Sea, as he rides his shell chariot. One of the hippocampi is tame and easy to guide, while the other is wild, depicting how volatile and unpredictable the sea can be. The message behind the Trevi Fountain is that the Gods tame the water for the benefit of Rome. The idea of providence is very appropriate, as the income from all the coin-tossers (approximately 3000 Euros per day) provides for the less fortunate of Roman citizens in the form of a subsidized grocery store. So when you visit the Trevi Fountain and toss a coin in, think of it as an investment with returns, both for the less fortunate and to ensure your next visit to Rome.
When to Go to Trevi Fountain
The best time to visit the largest fountain in Rome is in the spring. Late April and early May is an excellent time to experience the Trevi Fountain, as the weather is lovely, there are flowers everywhere, and it is not quite as crowded as the peak tourist summer months.
Odds n' Ends
Be aware of the gladiators or centurions. They will pose with you for pictures, but then expect you to pay them for it. Although this can be great fun, you might not think it's worth it.
Places to Stay Nearby
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Located in one of the city's most prized locations across from the world-famous Trevi Fountain, the 3 star Hotel Fontana welcomes guests with warm, family-style ... 0 miles away
$99 EUR+
The hotel is very centrally located in the historical centre, in front of the famous Trevi Fountain and only a few minutes from the Spanish ... 0 miles away
$112 EUR+
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Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!
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Media References
- Five free things to do in Rome - Telegraph.co.uk (newspaper)
- Rome at Night - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- 36 Hours in Rome - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- Travei Fountain - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
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