Rodnikov according to the system, which was built in the 1st century. BC. during the reign of Octavian Augustus. The plan to secure the capital of the empire drinking water brilliantly embodied by the tribune Marcus Vispasius Agrippa. Up to the eighteenth century. in the square in front of Pauli's palace, a passer-by could drink from a small spring flowing into an inconspicuous stone bowl.
Many are convinced that the idea of erecting the fountain belongs to Pope Nicholas V, whose brow was decorated with a tiara in the middle of the 15th century. This is only partially true. The order given then to the architect Alberti was never implemented.
The Italians returned to the practical implementation of the idea more than 200 years later. Pope Urban VIII decided to decorate the square in front of the Poli Palace and entrusted this task to the famous architect Lorenzo Bernini, who developed the initial project. The death of the pontiff in 1644 caused a pause, work resumed in 1700. It fell to his student, Carlo Fontana, to refine the master's ideas. He, following the plan of his mentor, enriched the sculptural group with figures of Neptune and his servants. In 1714 the artist died and the ensemble was left unfinished again. Fortunately, not for long. Clement XII announced a competition among architects, in which 16 masters took part. The victory went to Nicolo Salvi, and the master brilliantly coped with challenging task: created a great composition with many characters, harmoniously connecting her style with architectural features of the Poli Palace. Among the sculptors who built the Trevi Fountain, it would be fair to mention two people: Filippo della Valle and Pietro Bracci. It was they who performed most of the figures that make up the composition.
The embodiment of the grandiose plan took a lot of time - the monumental ensemble took 30 years to build, from 1732 to 1762.
Trevi fountain composition
The Trevi Fountain is the largest on the Apennine Peninsula. Its width is about 50 meters, and the main character, the majestic Neptune, reaches a height of 26 meters. The basis of the composition is the figure of a sea god emerging from the depths on a chariot in the form of a shell, harnessed by sea horses (hippocampus) and newts. Water flows under the heroes' feet, its streams break down from the stone steps and rustle, resembling the sounds of the surf. It seems that Neptune is about to continue on its way across the frothy sea. In the niches on either side of the formidable husband, there are figures of the Roman goddesses of Health (left) and Abundance (right). These statues are the first to meet tourists who flock to the square. The composition is decorated with a variety of allegorical figures and bas-reliefs.
Why is the fountain so named? Two versions seem to be the most plausible. According to the first, “trevi” is a distorted Latin “trivium”, “three-way”, and it is on this square that three large Roman streets converge. The second is more romantic: the ensemble is named after the beautiful Trivia. According to legend, that was the name of the girl who showed the Roman legionnaires the way to the purest spring. Her figure can be found among the sculptures of the ensemble.
It seems incredible, but the Trevi Fountain still flows through the pipes of an aqueduct built more than two thousand years ago, known as Aqua Virgo ("water of the Virgin"). The annual consumption volume is about 80,000 m³.
Tradition says that the local water is not only healing, but also has magical properties: it can give people happiness in love and marriage. To do this, you must perform the following ritual: turn your back to the fountain and throw three coins in turn over your left shoulder with your right hand. The first of them is a guarantee that you will definitely return to the Eternal City, the second will bring you together with the love of all life in the near future, the third will make the marriage strong and durable. Have you come to the square with your soul mate? Then it is worth approaching the right side of the Trevi Fountain. There you can find small "lovers' tubes", the jets from which beat towards each other. After taking a few sips of this water, you will make your bonds unbreakable.
In the XVIII-XIX centuries. to achieve happiness, it was enough just to scoop up a full glass from the source and drink it. The tradition of throwing coins appeared relatively recently, in the middle of the last century. Its appearance is associated with the release of the film by J. Negulesco "Three Coins in the Fountain". Of those wishing to get happiness in personal life so in a simple way was so great that the caretakers literally fell off their feet, taking out a huge amount of small change from the bottom every day. It got to the point that in 1991 throwing money into the Trevi Fountain was simply banned. True, not for long. In addition to the desire to renew the tradition, the authorities were also guided by economic motives - the number of coins taken from the bottom gives an amount exceeding 1 million euros per year. This money goes to a special charitable foundation.
In 2004 architectural masterpiece was elected a symbol of elections to the European Parliament. On voting days, a ballot box and an EU flag were installed near the bowl of the fountain.
Since the composition is located at the very walls of Palazzo Poli, a tourist, especially from our area, will be interested to know that the second floor of the palace was once rented by the Russian princess Volkonskaya. It was here that Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol read his "Inspector General" to her.
The Trevi Fountain has long been an important "hero" of Italian cinema. It was he who was used as a scenery in the love scene of Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg in the film by Federico Fellini “ Sweet life". Here, demonstrating the beauty of Rome, the hero of Adriano Celentano brings the princess Ornella Muti in the film "Madly in Love".
Video: Collecting coins at the Trevi Fountain
What a tourist should know
Many people ask which syllable should be stressed in the word "Trevi"? A real Italian can have only one answer - of course, the first one. Such a sign of respect for the owners of the city will be appreciated by temperamental Italians.
The fountain is available for tourists around the clock throughout the year for free. In the evening and at night, the original lighting gives a special flavor to this amazing place.
It is never deserted here. But if you want a slightly quieter environment, then it is better to come at dawn or late at night. However, if you find yourself in this place at sunset or even on a hot afternoon, you will also be delighted with the magnificence of what you have seen.
In order not to get into an unpleasant situation, remember - swimming in the fountain or trying to get coins out of it is strictly prohibited. You will be fined a fairly large amount - at least 200 euros. Eating and drinking in the immediate vicinity of the sculptures is also prohibited.
After admiring the Trevi Fountain, you can visit the Museum of Graphics and Design, which is located right there - in the building of the Poli Palace. From the windows you can enjoy views of the square and sculptures from several floors.
Within walking distance is the Basilica of Saints Vincenzo and Anastasio. It contains fragments of the hearts of twenty-two popes, which were removed before embalming.
Of interest to tourists is the Academy of St. Luke, whose history goes back to the middle of the 16th century. It is located very close to Palazzo Carpegna.
How to get there
The fountain is located in the square of the same name (Piazzo di Trevi). The easiest way to get here is by taking the subway. Take line A and get off at either Spagna or Barberini station. Further - on foot. In the first case, take Via Vittoria, take Via del Corso and then onto Via delle Muratte. From Barberini station, take Via Tritone and then turn left onto Via Poli. A few steps - and in front of you is a majestic famous fountain Trevi.
Address: Italy Rome
Start of construction: 1732 year
Completion of construction: 1762 year
Height: 25.9 m
Width: 49.8 m
Architect: Nicola Salvi and Giuseppe Pannini
Coordinates: 41 ° 54 "03.3" N 12 ° 28 "59.9" E
“All roads lead to Rome!” - this proverb was invented even before our era by the rulers of the once greatest empire in the world. The capital of modern Italy is certainly beautiful.
Fountain top view
It enchants tourists with the magnificence of numerous attractions, historical and architectural monuments, many of which appeared in the "eternal city" more than 2,000 years ago. Back in the days of the Roman Empire, great attention was paid to water in its capital: without huge luxurious baths, pools and fountains, the Romans could not imagine their life. At the moment, it is in Rome that the largest number fountains, each of which can be safely called a work of art.
It is not difficult to single out the most beautiful and most amazing fountain of the capital of sunny Italy: it is called Trevi and represents a unique combination of two styles - Neoclassicism and Baroque. It will be interesting for all travelers, without exception, planning a flight to Rome to get acquainted with its main attractions, it will be interesting to know that these two styles are completely different from each other and in the ensemble of the Trevi Fountain they seem to compete with each other. Naturally, on our planet there are a huge number of temples, sanctuaries and other architectural objects, in which even three or four styles are combined. However, they are not as different from each other as Neoclassicism and Baroque. It is thanks to the combination of strictly verified lines and luxury that, without exception, tourists approaching the Trevi Fountain have indescribable sensations: many people think that the earth is dramatically leaving from under their feet right at the artificial hills, mounds and rocks. Guests of Rome at the famous fountain do not leave the feeling that they seem to be hovering over this amazing architectural composition, which was built relatively recently.
General view of the fountain
It is not difficult to visit one of the main attractions of Rome, which in its appearance resembles a huge stone theater stage, it will be more difficult to come close to this miracle and take high-quality photos of the Trevi Fountain. This is not prohibited by law, just near the most beautiful fountain in Italy, and perhaps the whole world, is always crowded. Among the crowd you can meet not only guests of Rome, but also its indigenous inhabitants, who, at any opportunity, come to their sights and perform a rather interesting ritual, more precisely, there are even two rituals. However, they should be dwelled on a little lower and in more detail, because a traveler who has arrived in Rome and is only looking for his love should definitely perform one simple but magical action, which the Romans perform with enviable regularity.
Trevi Fountain in Rome: history and construction
As mentioned above, the Trevi Fountain in Rome was built relatively recently: all the work to create this unique composition, in which Neoclassicism and Baroque met in "irreconcilable battle", were completed in 1762. This amazing Roman fountain appeared in the oldest city thanks to the talent of the architect Niccolo Salvi. Among the many workers and craftsmen who made the wishes of Pope Nicholas V a reality, two sculptors should be distinguished: Filippo della Valle and Pietro Bracci. It was these two artists who performed most of the sculptures that made the Trevi Fountain the most popular and probably one of the most beautiful in the world. By the way, Pope Nicholas V wore the tiara from 1447 to 1455, it was he who wanted to decorate the “intersection of three Roman streets” and gave an order to an architect named Alberti to draw up the project. However, it was not possible to realize the wish of the Pope in those days.
View of the sculptural composition of the fountain
Many believe that the history of the Trevi Fountain dates back to the time of Pope Nicholas V. Naturally, there is a certain grain of truth in this opinion, but one cannot fail to mention that the water source from which the fountain "feeds" was discovered in the early 19th th year BC. It was during that period of time that the ruler of Argippa, who, by the way, was the son-in-law of Octavian Augustus himself, had a need to provide the capital of the Great Roman Empire with clean drinking water. The best legionnaires were sent in search of a source of life-giving moisture, but they did not manage to find water for a long time.
According to an ancient legend, when the already desperate warriors decided to return to Rome, a mysterious maiden appeared to them and led them to the source, which was located about twenty kilometers from the capital of the empire. From this source to the "eternal city", water fell and, by the way, still falls, through the aqueduct built before our era, named after the mysterious and mythical virgin - Aqua Vigro. From Latin, the name of the Roman aqueduct can be literally translated into Russian as "Water of the Virgin". This aqueduct, despite its pagan name, was constantly reconstructed and purified by the order of the popes: without water from this source, which, according to legend, bestows love and health on all people, the townspeople could no longer imagine their life.
Fountain pool
During the heyday of the Roman Empire, it was customary to end even the smallest aqueducts with fountains. The popes were well aware of this, who built four fountains along this canal at once: the legendary Trevi and fountains in three squares - Piazza Spain, Piazza Navona and Piazza Farnese. True, the Trevi Fountain was the last to be built, and it is he who ends the Aqua Vigro aqueduct.
Trevi Fountain - one of the main attractions of the ancient city
The Trevi Fountain in Rome, designed by Niccolò Salvi in 1762, is nowadays considered one of the most visited attractions in the capital of Italy. It resembles a huge theatrical stage on which the god Neptune shows his unlimited power over the sea element. The sculpture of Neptune, who is racing at "great speed" in a chariot drawn by tritons and seahorses, can be called central in this composition. However, other sculptures also deserve attention, they are all kind of symbols, and should ensure the prosperity of great Rome: this is a statue of the Goddess of Fertility and a statue of the Goddess of Health. By the way, the architect did not forget about the mythical maiden, who pointed the legionnaires to the source.
Sculpture of Oken
The Trevi Fountain flows directly from the walls of the Palazzo Poli building. In translation, "Palazzo" is a palace, and "Poly" is the name of the dynasty that owns the building. This the palace, which became part of the Trevi fountain, is inextricably linked with the fate of the Russian princess Zinaida Volkonskaya... Many people mistakenly believe that this palace was acquired by a Russian beauty. In fact, the princess only rented the second floor of Poli's palace. By the way, it was on the second floor for Volkonskaya that the famous writer Gogol read the legendary "Inspector General" for the first time. Zinaida Volkonskaya until the end of her days lived in the "eternal city", her coffin is in the church of San Vincenzo e Anastasio, located opposite the Trevi fountain.
As mentioned above, the water in the Trevi Fountain is considered curative. In addition, she can give people happiness. There is a certain ritual according to which a person who comes to the most beautiful Roman fountain should throw three coins into its bowl. The first coin thrown into the Trevi Fountain “guarantees” that the traveler will definitely return to Rome, the second - that a person will meet his love in the near future, the third - that he will unite with her in marriage. It must be remembered that the three wishes will come true only if the coin is thrown by the right hand over the left shoulder. On the right side of the fountain, you can find small “tubes of lovers”: according to legend, if you drink water from them together with your soul mate, the bonds of marriage will be strong and unbreakable.
To visit Rome and not see the Trevi Fountain? Unthinkable! You need to pronounce not in the French manner, but like Italians who love their landmark: de Trevi. Then they will accept the foreigner as their own. Getting there is easy. From Spagna metro station, past the Colosseum - 20 minutes walk. Tourists are drawn to the popular Piazza square di Trevi in live streams, just as countless hordes of builders once pulled water here through pipes. But in order.
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Already under the emperor of Rome, the radiant Augustus (ruled from the 30s BC), the capital of the world was experiencing a shortage of water. The project of diverting the waters of the Alps was daring and grandiose. They gouged the gutters, lifted them to the majestic aqueducts, built underground water tunnels for the city sewage system. The ancient Roman drinking water supply system serves to this day - safe and sound. The water of de Trevi is still the same, alpine. Gauls and Goths during a raid in the 4th century destroyed aqueducts, including the Aqua Virgo - that was the name of the artery that fed the square fountain.
The fountain was restored only two centuries later. He would have stood as a flowing reservoir for the needs of the townspeople, if not for the ambitions of Pope Urban VlII. The ruler commissioned the best architect and sculptor Bernini to build a palace fountain. The first sketch dates from 1640. Suddenly dad died. But the idea was picked up by Clement Xll. At that time, Poli's palace was already on the square. The ensemble of sculptures, streams of water was subordinated to the facade of the palace, creating a semblance of a dynamic theatrical action with rich decoration. The concept is credited to the Portuguese architect Nicolo Salvi. But the sources indicate not the first place in the ongoing competition, but only about the approval.
Construction
From 1732 to 1762 a miracle was created. The Roman architect Alessandro Galilei won the Papal competition. He headed the work. Salvi did not live to see the launch of the fountain for 10 years, but the final work was carried out by his friend and associate Petro Bracci. Bernini's successor and student, the sculptor Carlo Fontano, sculpted the main figure of the complex - marble Neptune, placing it on a shell that emerged from the waters. Like a chariot, the bowl of the shell is pulled by the hippocams - half a fish, half a horse. Hippocams are held by the bit by trumpeting newts - children of Neptune and Aphrodite.
Architecture
The allegorical story is continued with bas-reliefs, and the flourishing baroque system - with niches, columns and an apse behind the main sculpture. I had to completely rebuild the portal of Poli's palace, raise the pediment. A real makeover for the fountain. In the stone on the bas-relief, the legend about the girl is retelling - the one who showed the soldiers of Augustus a mountain spring (hence the name - Aqua Virgo, that is, "the water of the virgin"). Below the bas-reliefs are majestic female figures - "Health", "Abundance". The four columns at the apse symbolize the seasons.
The bowl of the pool stretches across the entire width of the palazzo - 49 meters. Height architectural complex- 26.3 m. Even higher is the pediment, immersed in the papal heraldry, carved from the marble of Carrara. The property of Carrara stone is to shine through in almost the same way as amber. Two small trickles at the fountain border are used, as in the old days, to quench their thirst. The trickles are called "in love": they are crossed and are considered a pheromone agent. The modern night illumination is designed in such a way that the water in the dark glows like an azure wave under the sun. There are as many tourists here at night as at noon. They are located behind the fence, it is no longer possible to approach the parapet.
Origin of name. What syllable should be stressed?
The origin of the name of the majestic Fontana di Trevi has two variations, and no one knows which one is true. The first, especially popular version, says: the fountain got its name from the fact that it is located in a square, near which three large streets of Rome connect. The fact is that the experts in Latin say: the Italian trevi is nothing more than a modified Latin trivium - "the three way."
According to the second version, the fountain is named after the young girl Trivia, who pointed to the spring. This legend is reflected in one of the bas-reliefs of the fountain. More details about the bas-relief and the legend will be discussed a little later. Often, Russian-speaking tourists get lost when it is necessary to clarify the road to the fountain. Which option is correct: Trevi or Trevi? Answer: the first variant of stress is correct. Don't worry about forgetting, any native Italian will correct you with a good-natured smile if you miss the pronunciation.
Composition
The royal façade of the palace and the architecture of the fountain complement each other, giving the former elegance and the latter even more grandeur. The spectacular fountain composition reflects an antique scene made in stone. When looking at the source, the first thing that catches the eye is the regal figure of Neptune. God with a formidable look sits in his chariot-shell and points in the direction of the source. Without the traditional trident, you will not immediately recognize it. However, the fact that it is Neptune is evidenced by the harnessed winged sea horses and the newts that control them.
During the construction of the Trevi Fountain, it was possible to amazingly vividly convey power and movement in stone sculptures, the aspiration to achieve big water... Rustling streams of water gracefully flow down the statues, falling on the stones, they form a sound similar to the "whisper" of coastal waves. In niches along the edges of the central statue of Neptune, there are female sculptures, and above them are picture bas-reliefs. On the left is the goddess of abundance, the bas-relief above her is a painting where the consul Agrippa approves the aqueduct project.
On the right is the goddess of health, above her head is a picture: a young girl orients Roman soldiers to a spring. Subsequently, an aqueduct was drawn from it, directing water to Rome. The aqueduct and the spring came to be called "virgin waters" (Acqua Vergine).
The Trevi Fountain is extraordinarily beautiful at night. When it gets dark, light bulbs come on, unobtrusively illuminating the water and the sculptural composition. The combination of fountain architecture and soft lighting creates the impression of a fairy tale. Inevitably, you begin to believe in the magic of the source and the legends and beliefs attributed to it. On top of that, if you want to take a dip in the fountain, you can do it for only 200 €. It is in this amount that the fine for this innocent prank is estimated.
Legends
One of the beliefs says: if you turn your back to the source and throw 1 coin into it, you will certainly return to Rome, 2 - to the meeting of your soul mate, 3 - to be soon married, 4 - to wealth. Travelers' generous "donation" goes to charity.
According to another legend, if the lovers drink water from two tubes placed on the right side of the fountain (landmark: a stone hat resting on a rock), they will find eternal harmony and happiness, their love for each other will never fade away.
Not all stones of the facade and plinths of the statues are marble. The smooth stone is shaded with spongy travertine. A beautiful mineral was mined in the mountains by the Latins. They found him not only among the rocks, but also in the grottoes - there he hung with stalactites. Sometimes travertine grottoes open with the ebb. Caves open on the Mediterranean coast. Therefore, the so-called Tiburian stone (travertine) had a mystical meaning among the Romans, they were associated with the forces of the underwater world.
The medieval inhabitants of Italy did not manage to repeat the feat of the great Romans: for new stone pipes for supplying fresh water and removing used water, it would be necessary to build the same gutters: on a non-eroded binder - that is, cement. Palazzo from the time of Bernini was built on mortar with the addition of eggs. Not suitable for pipes. Cement was rediscovered later in the 19th century. The Romans used slave labor to extract volcanic ash. It was he who was the binder. Digs, caves and catacombs were filled up, and beautiful structures were built in their place. They were mined right near Rome. But underground waters eroded the foundation of the city so much that the capital of Italy is compared to a crust of Roquefort cheese - it is about to begin to sink. Walking excursions are made to the cleared catacombs and caves.
The well-known Carrara marble used for de Trevi's sculptures began to be mined back in the time of Julius Caesar. From this stone are created Triumphal Arch, the famous Pantheon, Trajan's Column. Michelangelo sculpted from it. On the site of Mount Carrara under the Emperor Caesar, a hundred-meter cliff rose. Now on the site of the cliff there is a large quarry. The mountain was cut down, but how beautiful the Eternal City is!
Reconstruction
The last large-scale reconstruction was carried out a hundred years ago. The noble inhabitants of Rome and visitors were allowed to look into the face of Neptune after they climbed 26 m, passed through the tall forests.
1998 year. The water bowl was washed in the most thorough way, then equipped with recirculating (return) pumps with filters. The devices are self-cleaning.
From January 2013 to 2015, the Fendi fashion house sponsors the Ocean and donates € 2.2 million, 100 LED backlights, and a 20-month holiday with wellness cleaning. The abnormal frosts of the winter of 2017 tore apart several pipes of the fountain, which shocked the employees of the mayor's office: they did not turn off the de Trevi streams in the middle of winter! The abnormal shutdown prevented a major accident and demonstrated the vulnerability of the God of the Seas in low temperatures.
Where is it located and how to get there
The fountain is located in Piazza di Trevi. There are three ways to reach the square: on foot, on public transport and by taxi. If using the metro, you will need line A; you can get off at the Spagna or Barberini station. After that you will have a walk directly to the fountain.
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Which landmark is most often associated with Rome? In addition to the Colosseum, many tourists who have visited the city primarily remember the famous Trevi Fountain. Be in The eternal city and not throwing a coin for luck into it is considered one of the most annoying mistakes of novice travelers. The exact address the Trevi fountain and Interesting Facts about him will help prevent such a mistake.
Location
The great popularity of this architectural monument is a consequence of its unique composition. Despite the fact that the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is inferior in size to some similar structures, its unique appearance and harmonious combination with the surrounding buildings have become the main factors of popularity.
It is not difficult to get to the fountain on your own. First of all, it is not recommended to use taxi services, as Rome is famous for its traffic jams (). The best option is to take the metro.
To do this, you need to take line A and go to Spanga or Barderini stations. Then you need to walk a little to the square where the fountain is located.
Fountain on the city map:
A few tips will help you plan your day wisely:- It is recommended to plan a visit to the monument after visiting the Pantheon.
- Traditionally, small coins are thrown into the pool. Therefore, you need to take care of their availability in advance.
- In the immediate vicinity of the monument, there are boutiques of famous brands - Dolce end Gabbana, Gucci, Valentino. This will be useful when planning a shopping tour in Rome.
The fountain is open for visits around the clock. The only exceptions are those hours when cleaning and cleaning of the monument is carried out.
The history of the construction and changes in the appearance of Fontana di Trevi deserves a separate book. For future visitors, interesting facts, the so-called "urban legends", which certainly arise around such architectural monuments, are rather important.
Among them, the most popular are:
- The fountain is currently the largest in Italy. Its length is 20 meters and its height reaches 26 meters.
- The construction of the Fontana di Trevi took 30 years (from 1732 to 1762). This is a kind of anti-record of its time.
- The main theme of the fountain is marine. Therefore, it was designed in such a way that the flow of water through its architectural elements creates a noise similar to the sea.
- There are certain rules for the number of coins to be thrown into the fountain. One will indicate that the tourist will soon return to Rome. Two guarantee a love date. Young girls like to throw three coins - this is for the wedding. For the most generous visitors who have not spared 4 coins, great wealth is promised.
- The weekly income from collecting coins from the bottom of the pool averages 11,000 euros.
- Fontana di Trevi once played a cameo, but memorable role in Fellini's film La Dolce Vita. Under its jets, the tragedy of love was played out, which remained in the hearts of the audience for a long time.
It must be remembered that even the most Full description a fountain is not a substitute for a real inspection. Tourists admiring the harmonious architecture will retain unforgettable positive emotions for a long time.
The Trevi Fountain is the best attraction for those who are in love and lost, because it can help bring a bit of happiness to life. True, in order for the desires to come true, you will have to go to Rome. There is a very fascinating story that prompted the Romans to create a beautiful composition of stone. In addition, many legends related to the largest fountain in Italy are retold.
The history of the Trevi Fountain
Since the beginning of the new era, on the site of the picturesque fountain there was nothing but a source of the purest water. According to the idea of the reigning emperor and his adviser in Rome, it was decided to clear the sewers and build a long aqueduct. The new plumbing was bringing the purest water per square, therefore locals nicknamed him "The Water of the Virgin". 
Until the 17th century, the source fed the Romans in an unchanged form, and only Pope Urban III decided to decorate a significant place with majestic sculptures. The project was worked out by Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini, who dreams of reconstructing the aqueduct into a beautiful fountain. Work began immediately after the approval of the sketches, but due to the death of Urban III, construction stopped.
Since the 18th century, the desire to create something outstanding in Trevi Square has revived again, but now Bernini's student Carlo Fontana has taken up the job. It was then that the sculptures of Neptune and his servants were completed and also decorated in the Baroque style with the addition of Classicism. In 1714, the building was left without a master, so a competition was announced for the role of a new architect. 
Sixteen famous engineers responded to the proposal, but only Nicola Salvi managed to convince Pope Clement XII that he would be able not only to create the most amazing fountain in the country, but also organically fit it into the already existing architecture central square cities. Thus, in 1762, the Fountain di Trevi appeared to the eye as the largest sculptural composition floating out of the water against the backdrop of the Poli Palace. This creation took exactly thirty years. 
Features of the fountain
The main symbol of the sculptural composition is water, which is personified by the god Neptune. His figure is located in the center and is surrounded by maidens, youths and mythical animals. The lines are carved in stone so realistically that one gets the impression that a divine being with his retinue emerges from the depths of the sea, surrounded by palace architecture. 
Among the main sculptures, two more goddesses are also distinguished: Health and Abundance. They, like Neptune, took their places in the niches of the palace, meeting the guests of Italy on the square. Moreover, since the advent of the aqueduct, the water flowing from the Trevi Fountain has been drinkable. On the right side there are lovers' tubes. Curious signs are often associated with them, so couples from all over the world crowd in this part of the attraction.
At night, the famous composition is illuminated, but the lamps are located under the water, not over the sculptures. This gives the impression that it is shining water surface... Such an illusion adds mysticism to the place, and tourists stroll around the marine life even in the dark. 
Not so long ago, the man-made reservoir was closed due to planned restoration. More than a hundred years have passed since the last reconstruction, which is why parts of the sculptures began to deteriorate. To preserve the amazing beauty of the 18th century, the fountain had to be closed for many months. Tourists who come to Rome could not see the beauty of the complex, but the restoration company allowed visitors to the city on specially constructed scaffolding in order to look at Neptune from above. 
Fountain traditions
There are always a huge number of tourists on Trevi Square, who, one by one, throw coins into the fountain. This is due not only to the desire to return to the city, but also to the existing tradition of the number of abandoned euros. According to the descriptions, one coin is enough to see the attraction again, but you can throw more: two euros promise a meeting with a soul mate, three - marriage, four - prosperity. This tradition has a beneficial effect on the revenues of the utilities that provide the Trevi Fountain. According to their information, more than one hundred thousand euros are caught from the bottom every month. 
The tubes already mentioned on the right are capable of giving real love nectar. There is a sign that drinking water will definitely help a couple to maintain love until old age. Often newlyweds come here to include the ceremony in the celebration.
In Rome, there is a rule according to which the fountains are not turned off even in the cold season. In January 2017, there was an unusual drop in temperature for this area. As a result, several fountains froze over in winter, which provoked a rupture of pipes and a temporary halt in their activity for the period of repair. The famous landmark of Trevi Square was shut down on time, which made it possible to keep it in full functionality. 
How to get to the famous architectural monument
Most visitors to Rome first try to find out where the most beautiful source is. fresh water, but not to get drunk, but to look at the amazing composition of sculptures and take unforgettable photos. The address of the Trevi Fountain is easy to remember, as it is located in the square of the same name. 
In order not to get lost in the city, it is better to go directly to the fountain, next to the metro. It is better to choose the Barberini or Spagna stations, located as close as possible to the Poli Palace and the fountain flowing from it.
