50 Facts About Trevi Fountain

The Origins and Name of Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome's most iconic landmarks, known for its stunning beauty and rich history. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this world-famous fountain.

1. The name 'Trevi' comes from the Latin word trivium, meaning “three-ways,” referring to the point where three roads converge at Piazza dei Cruciferi.
2. 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 junctions where three roads met.

The First Trevi Fountain and Its Purpose

Before becoming a tourist attraction, the Trevi Fountain served a practical purpose for the people of Rome.

3. In medieval times, public water fountains provided 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.
4. 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.

Nicola Salvi: The Visionary Designer

Nicola Salvi, a poet and philosopher with no formal architectural training, designed the present-day Trevi Fountain.

5. Salvi began working on the fountain in 1732, envisioning it as a grand waterfall emerging from the facade of a palazzo.
6. 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.
7. The fountain was finally inaugurated in May 1762, showcasing Salvi’s dramatic vision.

Oceanus, Not Neptune

Contrary to popular belief, the central figure in the Trevi Fountain is not Neptune, the Roman god of the sea.

8. The central figure is Oceanus, the Greek god of all water, surrounded by sea horses and Tritons—half-man, half-fish figures.
9. 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.
10. The figures of Agrippa and Virgo flank the fountain, representing abundance and health.

The Fountain’s Design and Construction

The Trevi Fountain is a masterpiece of Baroque art, designed by Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762.

11. The design combines sculptures and water in a harmonious blend, showcasing the pinnacle of Baroque aesthetics.
12. The fountain stands at an impressive 26.3 meters (86 feet) high and 49.15 meters (161.3 feet) wide, making it the largest Baroque fountain in Rome.

Historical Significance and Materials

The Trevi Fountain sits at the endpoint of one of the ancient Roman aqueducts, the Aqua Virgo.

13. Constructed in 19 B.C., this aqueduct was a vital source of water for ancient Romans, a testament to their advanced engineering skills.
14. The fountain's name, 'Trevi,' derives from 'Tre Vie' (three roads), signifying the junction of three roads at the fountain’s location.
15. The Trevi Fountain was crafted from Travertine stone, a form of layered calcium carbonate derived from hot springs, sourced near Tivoli, approximately 22 miles east of Rome.
16. Travertine, also used in constructing the Colosseum, exemplifies the enduring quality and beauty of Roman architecture.
17. The statues adorning the fountain, sculpted with precision and grace, are made from Carrara Marble, a material famed for its use in some of the world's most renowned sculptures.

Symbolic Meaning of the Statues

Each statue and element within the Trevi Fountain carries deep symbolic meaning.

18. The statues reflect Rome's rich history, mythology, and the importance of water in sustaining life and civilization.
19. These elements combine to make the Trevi Fountain not just a visual spectacle but a storytelling masterpiece, embodying the spirit and legacy of ancient Rome.

Funding and Restoration

The funding for the fountain's construction originated from a rather unconventional source.

20. Pope Clemens XII initiated a competition to design this monumental fountain, funded by a Roman lottery.
21. In 2014-2015, the Trevi Fountain underwent a major renovation. The coins that are thrown into its water are collected daily and donated to charity.

Daily Water Usage and Historical Purpose

The Trevi Fountain pumps out a significant amount of water daily.

22. Every second, the baroque masterpiece pumps out around 170 liters of water, amounting to approximately 2,823,800 cubic feet of water in a 24-hour period.
23. The water is recycled, but it is no longer meant for drinking, preserving its aesthetic purpose.
24. The original purpose of the Trevi Fountain was to provide fresh drinking water. Today, Rome is bursting with smaller, ancient water fountains called aqua potabile that provide free and safe water.

Coins Tossed into the Fountain

Tourists throw around €3,000 of change into the fountain every day.

25. This means that the fountain collects a staggering €1,000,000 in a single year.
26. According to longstanding legend, if you toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, it guarantees you’ll return to the Eternal City.
27. Toss one coin in and you’ll be granted a safe return to Rome. Two means you’ll get a safe return and fall in love. Three coins guarantee all of the above, plus a wedding.
28. Every night, the coins are vacuumed up, cleaned, and donated to Caritas, a Catholic charity. These donations fund everything from domestic refugee work to international emergency responses.

The Statues of Oceanus, Abundance, and Health

The fountain features several important statues.

29. The centre statue is often expected to be Neptune, but it is Oceanus, a Greek god.
30. Oceanus stands atop a chariot pulled by sea horses and is accompanied by tritons.
31. The fountain also features statues of Abundance and Health, which flank the central figure of Oceanus.

Travertine Stone and Design Competition

The Trevi Fountain was crafted from Travertine stone, a stunning white porous limestone.

32. This material was also used to build the Roman Colosseum.
33. While the fountain was being built, men were injured and even a few had died due to the sourcing of this stone.
34. An earlier fountain on the site was demolished in the 17th century, and a design competition for a new fountain was won by Nicola Salvi in 1732.

Completion, Legacy, and Cultural Significance

The Trevi Fountain took some 30 years to complete.

35. Giuseppe Pannini oversaw its completion in 1762 after Salvi’s death in 1751.
36. The immense fountain stands some 85 feet (26 meters) high and is approximately 160 feet (49 meters) wide.
37. It is considered a late Baroque masterpiece and is arguably the best-known of Rome’s numerous fountains.
38. The Trevi Fountain has been featured in numerous books and films, notably Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita (1960).
39. It has also been immortalized by famous actresses like Anita Ekberg and Audrey Hepburn, who have both been associated with the fountain in iconic scenes.

Historical Connection with Aqueducts and Mythological Figures

The Trevi Fountain sits at the endpoint of one of the ancient Roman aqueducts, the Aqua Virgo.

40. This aqueduct was constructed in 19 B.C. and was a vital source of water for ancient Romans.
41. The water from this aqueduct was long considered Rome’s softest and best-tasting, with barrels of it being taken every week to the Vatican.
42. The central figure of Oceanus is accompanied by sea horses and tritons, symbolizing the dual nature of water.
43. The scene depicts Oceanus standing atop a chariot pulled by sea horses, with tritons guiding him.

Symbolic Representation of Water and Baroque Architecture

The Trevi Fountain’s design represents the importance of water in sustaining life and civilization.

44. The statues and elements within the fountain carry deep symbolic meaning, reflecting Rome’s rich history and mythology.
45. The Trevi Fountain is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, showcasing the pinnacle of Baroque aesthetics.
46. Its design combines sculptures and water in a harmonious blend, creating a grand and theatrical effect.

Historical Depth and Innovative Financing

The Trevi Fountain is a monumental expression of Rome’s historical depth, artistic prowess, and architectural innovation.

47. The funding for the Trevi Fountain’s construction originated from a Roman lottery, initiated by Pope Clemens XII.
48. This unconventional source of funding reflects the city’s grandeur and artistic spirit, as well as its willingness to innovate in financing ambitious projects.

Symbolic Meaning of Tritons and Statues of Agrippa and Virgo

The tritons in the Trevi Fountain symbolize the dual nature of water.

49. One triton struggles to control a wild horse, representing rough seas, while the other guides a calm steed, symbolizing peaceful waters.
50. The figures of Agrippa and Virgo flank the central figure of Oceanus, representing abundance and health.

The Timeless Allure of Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain isn't just a pretty landmark; it's a slice of Rome's history and artistry. From its Baroque architecture to the mythological figures that adorn it, every detail tells a story. The Aqua Virgo aqueduct and the Travertine stone used in its construction highlight ancient engineering marvels. The daily ritual of tossing coins, which funds charitable causes, adds a modern twist to its legacy. Nicola Salvi's vision, despite his lack of formal training, resulted in a masterpiece that continues to captivate millions. Whether you're drawn by the legend of returning to Rome or the sheer beauty of the fountain, Trevi Fountain remains a must-see. Its blend of history, art, and culture ensures it will enchant visitors for generations to come. So, next time you're in Rome, don't miss this iconic treasure.