The Fontana di Trevi or Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy is the most famous fountain in Rome and possibly the world. It is also considered as one of the most beautiful fountains in the world. The fountain is believed to have gotten its name from its location, Trevi Fountain is positioned at the intersection of three roads, tre vie. The fountain’s beginnings go back to early Roman times and it was the terminal point of the Aqua Virgo Aqueduct that provides waters for the thermal baths. The flowing waters of Trevi is also called Virgin Waters because of a legend that a young Roman girl showed the source of the spring to thirsty soldiers. This fountain made by Nicola Salvi under Pope Clement XII and considered as the most beautiful Baroque fountains in Rome has Neptune riding a chariot in the shape of a shell as its central figure. The chariot is being pulled by two sea horses and guided by two Tritons. One of the horses is calm while the other one is restive, and this symbolizes the fluctuating moods of the sea.
This legendary fountain which dominates the Trevi square and has the Palazzo Poli as its backdrop is believed to grant the wishes of those who throw coins in its waters and those who do will certainly be able to go back to Rome. It is advised that you should toss the coin over your shoulder with your back facing the fountain. Still, others believe that you must throw three coins in the fountain with your right hand over your left shoulder. Coin throwing is so famous in this fountain that approximately 3,000 Euros are thrown and collected everyday and this money is used to subsidize a supermarket for Rome’ needy people. The Trevi Fountain has been featured in quite a lot of films most notably in the very famous and critically acclaimed 1960’s European movie ‘La Dolce Vita’ where the lovely Anita Ekberg was seen frolicking in its waters and in the romantic comedy ‘Three Coins in the Fountain’ about three American girls working in Italy wishing for the man of their dreams by throwing coins in Trevi Fountain.
