Why visit / Interesting facts:
- One of the most familiar sights of Rome
- A romantic spot
Time required: 30 minutes
Public transport:
- Bus nr: 62, 85, 92
Address: Piazza di Trevi, Rome
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: Soren Hugger Moller
Things you need to know:
- The 25.9 meters (85 feet) high and 19.8 meters (65 feet) wide Trevi Fountain is an impressive Baroque fountain in Rome completed in 1762
- The Trevi marks the end point of the aqueduct, Acqua Vergine, that still feeds it with water
- The medieval Acqua Vergine is the renewed and lengthened version of the ancient Aqua Virgo built in 19 B.C. that supplied Rome with clean water
- Legend has it; the spring that feeds the aqueduct was discovered miraculously by a virgin
- The story is illustrated in the fountain by the female figures on both sides of the central figure
- The figure standing in the middle is Oceanus who was believed to be the world-ocean in ancient mythology
- Tradition holds, if one throws coins into the fountain, he will return to Rome
- About 3,000 Euros are thrown into the fountain each day and collected at night. The money is used to help Rome's poor
What to do there:
- Admire the beautiful fountain
- Have some coins ready for tossing in - backwards over your shoulder - to ensure your return to Rome
- It's also a perfect opportunity to make any wishes you may have in mind, the more romantic the better
Tips & Insights:
- Too often thronged with tourists, yet the sheer beauty and power of this creation are nevertheless overwhelming, day or night
