Trevi Fountain

• Oceanus at the centre
• Coin toss at dawn
• Neptune's chariot

• Oceanus's triumphant chariot, pulled by Tritons and seahorses, symbolizing the taming of the waters.
• The statues of Abundance (holding a cornucopia) and Salubrity (crowned with laurels and sipping from a cup), flanking Oceanus.
• The intricately carved reliefs above Abundance and Salubrity, depicting Agrippa commanding the construction of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct and the Roman virgin revealing the water source to soldiers.
• The vibrant play of light and shadow on the water cascading over rocks and statuary, especially at different times of day.
• The iconic tradition of throwing a coin over your shoulder into the fountain, ensuring a return to Rome.
• The contrast between the grandiosity of the fountain and the narrow, bustling streets that lead to it, making its reveal even more dramatic.

The Trevi Fountain is the majestic terminus of the Aqua Virgo, one of the oldest aqueducts in Rome, which has supplied water to the city for over 2,000 years. Commissioned by Pope Clement XII, its construction aimed to create a stunning public work that celebrated the power and artistry of the Baroque era, while also serving a practical purpose. Its design, conceived by Nicola Salvi, was a grand theatrical statement, almost literally bursting forth from the Palazzo Poli, which forms its dramatic backdrop.

• Visit early in the morning (before 9 AM) or late in the evening (after 10 PM) to avoid the densest crowds and experience a more serene atmosphere.
• Find a spot on the steps opposite the fountain for a classic, unobstructed view and prime photo opportunities.
• Be mindful of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure.
• Bring a wide-angle lens if you're a keen photographer; the fountain is immense and challenging to capture in its entirety.
• Don't forget to toss a coin over your right shoulder with your left hand – it's a timeless tradition!
• Consider exploring the small streets around the fountain; they offer charming cafes and gelato shops for a full Roman experience.

• An average of 3,000 euros in coins is thrown into the fountain each day, with the money collected and donated to Caritas, a Catholic charity, to help fund social programs for the needy in Rome.
• The fountain was famously featured in Federico Fellini's 1960 film 'La Dolce Vita,' with Anita Ekberg wading into its waters, cementing its place in cinematic history.
• The name 'Trevi' likely derives from 'tre vie' (three roads), referring to the three streets converging at the fountain square.
• There's a legend that if you drink water from the 'lovers' fountain' (a small faucet to the right of the main fountain), you'll be eternally faithful to your lover.
• A barber once complained to Nicola Salvi that the fountain construction blocked his shop's view. Salvi, in jest, placed a large vase on the fountain, known as the 'Ace of Cups,' to block the barber's view even more.
• The travertine stone used in the fountain's construction comes from Tivoli, about 30 kilometers east of Rome, the same quarry that supplied materials for the Colosseum.