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Trevi Fountain Facts

Trevi Fountain Facts
The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is an ancient fountain dating back to 19BC when the Aqua Virgo Aqueduct was built in Rome to provide water for its residents. It was built at the aqueduct's end point where three roads (tre vie) met, and this is how the fountain got its name - the Three Street Fountain, or Trevi Fountain. Pope Urban VIII decided in 1629 that a new fountain should be built but the project died when he did. It was revived again in 1730 when Pope Clement XII awarded the design commission to Nicola Salvi. The fountain was completed in 1762 when the Oceanus was placed in its' center. Trevi Fountain was refurbished in 1998 and again beginning in 2014.
Interesting Trevi Fountain Facts:
The Trevi Fountain, as designed by Nicola Salvi, was financed by a lotto that was held in Rome.
The Trevi Fountain was constructed mostly of travertine stone, which is formed most often in hot springs.
In the 4th century, Rome had 1352 fountains, each one for supplying water to its people. Most are still evident today. They still work, but the water is recycled and just for show. Most do have a pipe that provides clean water for drinking, but drinking directly from the fountains is not safe.
During the construction of Trevi Fountain in 1734, a stonecutter was crushed by a massive block of travertine. There were several injuries and a few deaths during its construction.
It took 32 years to build Trevi Fountain, beginning in 1730 and ending in 1762.
The Trevi Fountain spills approximately 2,823,800 cubic feet of water each day. Today it is recycled.
Each day approximately $4000US is thrown into the Trevi Fountain in the form of coins. The money is used for charitable causes.
Stealing coins from Trevi Fountain is illegal. One man was caught after 34 years of stealing coins every night.
Throwing coins in Trevi Fountain is symbolic. One coin ensures a return trip to Rome; two coins are for those seeking love; three coins symbolize wedding bells.
The Trevi Fountain is Rome's largest and most famous fountain. It is 85 feet (25.9 meters) high and 65 feet (19.8 meters) wide.
Trevi Fountain is Italy's most famous Baroque fountain. Between 1600 and 1750 Baroque art was popular in Europe. It was a highly decorative and ornate type of art and architecture.
Nicola Salvi died during the construction of Trevi Fountain. Pietro Bracci completed the monumental task.
The three streets that meet where Trevi Fountain sits are Via De Crocicchis, Via Poli, and Via Delle Muratte. Some believe that a Roman goddess with three heads named Trivia protected the streets of Rome from her position where Trevi Fountain now sits.
At Trevi Fountain's center are several figures including Oceanus, two horses, a Trition, Goddess Abundance, and the Goddess of Health.
Some believe that the scentral figure Oceanus is Neptune, but Neptune has a three-pronged spear and a dolphin, while Oceanus has a short wand and horses.
The Trevi Fountain has been used as a setting in many films including La Dolce Vita, Roman Holiday, Three Coins in the Fountain, and The Lizzie McGuire Movie.


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