When on a short break in Rome as I was in March 2007, it is very easy to find yourself in a position where you have to sacrifice seeing one sight in order to see another. The Trevi Fountain (Fontana Di Trevi) was never in danger of being sacrificed, and if you go there for yourself you will see why. In my opinion it is the most beautiful and stunning fountain in all of Rome.
This baroque marble masterpiece stands 85 feet high and 65 feet wide, dominates the square in which it stands and is constantly crowded by tourists such is its popularity. Like many of the wonderful sights of Rome, this is free to go and see. Walking down the narrow cobbled streets you can here the crescendo of noise as the water becomes louder and louder, then suddenly as if out of nowhere you are confronted by a mass of people standing in awe in front of this masterpiece. You should work your way to the front and down the couple of steps for a great photo opportunity. I must add my own tip here, having been to see the Trevi Fountain during the day and spending a good deal of time there, I couldn't help but wish that I could experience it without all the tourists. So I went back after dinner one night at about 11pm. It was raining and I had a guy harassing me to take one of his plastic roses but these annoyances merely fell into the background as I had the stunning fountain all to myself. It is a completely different experience at night, you can really appreciate the lighting on the marble and the echoes of the waterfall around the empty square are haunting. I'd definitely recommend doing the same as the Trevi has no opening hours and is accessible 24/7.
The fountain stands on the junction of 3 roads and marks the terminal point of one of the ancient aqueducts which supplied water to the city from a source more than 13km away. The fountain was finished in 1762 by Giuseppe Pannini although credit must also go to Bernini and Nicola Salvi for their designs.
The fountain's centrepiece shows Neptune's (God of the Sea) or Oceanus - opinions are split - chariot pulled by two sea horses. One horse is calm, the other restive which symbolises the uncertain nature and moods of the sea. Neptune is flanked either side by statues representing abundance and salubrity.
The legend says that if you toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain then you are guaranteed to come back to Rome. I made sure I did this as I can't wait to go back and see this masterpiece again.
The fountain was in the news recently after someone dropped a dye into the water causing the whole fountain to turn blood-red.
Location: Piazza Di Trevi Nearest Subway: Barberini (A line)
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Our family name is Fountain, so we Quatro Fontanas agree this is the best Fountain in Rome, but the 4 Continent one on Piazza Novona runs it a close second. Regards Steve
Dreams really do come true at the Trevi Fountain View very centrally located in the heart ... more
of Rome just in front of the world famous Trevi Fountain an excellent position in the most elegant area of the ?historic center? of RomeThe strategic location ...
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Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
Oct 29th, 2007
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