I also write on dooyoo under the same name. I'm 20 and am currently at Newcastle Uni studying Speech...
I also write on dooyoo under the same name. I'm 20 and am currently at Newcastle Uni studying Speech and Language Sciences! Thanks for all your ratings!!
Member since:17.06.2003
Reviews:150
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This was one of the first attractions that we visited when we were in Rome and it was a very enjoyable experience.
Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain) is the largest of the Baroque fountains of Rome. It is 85 feet high (25.9 meters) and 65 feet wide (19.8 meters).
The fountain is at the juncture of three roads and it marks the terminal point of the Aqua Virgo, an ancient aqueduct that supplied water to Rome. In 19 BC the Romans located a pure water source 14 miles from the city (from the Salone Springs) and Aqua Virgo supplied the fountains of the historic centre of Rome with water. It served Rome for more than four hundred years.
In 1730 Pope Clement XII organised a contest which Nicola Salvi actually lost - but was awarded the commission anyway. Work began in 1732 and the fountain was completed thirty years later in 1762.
Legend has it that it is lucky to throw coins with one's right hand over one's left shoulder into the Trevi Fountain. The legend of the coin throwing is actually
that if you throw one coin, you are ensured a return to Rome; two coins to get married; and three to get divorced! When I was there I wasn't aware of the latter two of the legend and so I'm glad I only threw one coin in! It was difficult to get to the front to throw a coin in but the second time we went it was a little bit quieter so there was a small space for me stand. If you walk near the edge though, when people move you can get in quite easily (well, easier than you can if you stand on the path at the top!)
When we set off to go and visit the Fountain, we didn't really know where we were going (but luckily we had a map!!) It seemed to take us a while to get there from where we set off. (However, once we got our bearings it wasn't as far as we first thought) It is quite near The Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona. We walked along a long street of shops, which had quite a few side streets. Trevi Fountain was along one of the side streets. I was fascinated how we were just walking along a fairly quiet street when all of a sudden we turned a corner and we were right in front of Trevi Fountain which was teaming with people!
Trevi Fountain is the most famous fountain in Rome and I think it is also the most beautiful. We visited the fountain on three occasions, each time it was just as packed with people as the last! It was very difficult to move around the fountain, as there were hundreds of people sitting down. Also, there were lots of people taking photos so it was difficult not to walk in front of someone's camera.
There are quite a few people selling Roses around the area of the fountain. The first time we went, a Rose seller pushed 3 roses in my hand before I knew what was happening and told me I could have them. He then asked my parents for 3Euro's! (about £2.10) I didn't want the roses and my parents didn't want to pay so this was rather inconvenient! We handed two of the roses back and against our better judgement handed the man 1 Euro! After that we made sure that no one could push unwanted roses into my hands! So be aware that they tell you they are free then ask for money!! (We did think it strange that they said they were giving them away!)
We went to the Fountain twice during the day and once at dusk. Unfortunately we didn't see it when it was dark because we would have missed the courtesy bus back to the hotel. It was really pretty during the day and at dusk. It would have been lovely to stay an extra 20 minutes or so to see it in the dark (all lit up) as I have heard it is fantastic. Maybe the coin I threw in will one day take me back to Rome so I can see the Fountain at night. Who knows?
There is a wonderful ice-cream shop just a little way past the Fountain called San Crispino. We read in a guide book that it is considered by the Roman's the best ice cream in Italy, which is close to saying that it is the best ice cream in the world! I couldn't read a statement like that without trying it for myself so we asked a policeman where it was and we found it quite easily. This ice-cream shop only serves ice cream in cups (not cones) as cones contain artificial ingredients. The ice cream was delicious and it was made with real fruit which is in season (which unfortunately meant no strawberry when I was there!) If you are at Trevi Fountain and you like ice cream I think San Crispino's is well worth a visit!
There are also nice Pizza shops near Trevi Fountain so you can easily get something to eat.
Trevi Fountain was not as big I'd pictured it but it was still large. It is beautiful and it is well worth a visit if you are in Rome! Visiting the actual fountain is free but the Pizza and ice cream isn't :-) so make sure you have some money for food!! Also don't forget to take your coin (or coins) to throw into the water!
Trevi Fountain is easy to find if you have a map of the city and follow the signposts.
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Aug 28th, 2006
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