Who doesn’t want to go to Rome, right? Do you know, there is a high probability, of you visiting Rome again if you follow one simple tradition there? It is tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain! We are sure most of you are aware of this tradition, if not entirely about the fountain itself. The Trevi fountain is one of its kind, and completely justifies the famous adage that goes “Rome was not built in a day”. So what is the history of Trevi Fountain? Where does it get its name from? Why is the fountain so significant to the history of Rome? Well, we have the answers.
The structure of the Trevi Fountain was built over an already existing ancient water fountain that was built in the Roman period in 19 BC. The building was built in a central location at the intersection of three boulevards. The name "Trevi" comes from this place. It means "Fountain of 3 Streets". As the city developed, the fountain remained until 1629. It was only when Pope Urban VIII decided that the old fountain was not grand enough to fit the Roman aesthetics and ordered a remodel. He commissioned the famous Gian Lorenzo Bernini to design the fountain. Bernini made many sketches of his ideas.
But these sketches were not put to use. Unfortunately, due to the death of Pope Urban VIII. But, after 100 years, the project was revived! It was when architect Nicola Salvi was commissioned to design the fountain.
Guess what! Salvi used Bernini's original sketches to create his final work. You know the fun fact here is that it still took him over 30 years to complete, and the final product of the Trevi Fountain was ready in 1762. The fountain is also otherwise special due to its stunning artwork found within the structure. The fountain and its sculptures are made of the same pure white travertine stone that was used to build the Colosseum.
The theme of the fountain is 'The Taming of Water' and each sculpture symbolizes an important aspect of the city. The central structure is the god Oceanus standing on a chariot with gliding seahorses. In addition to Oceanus, there are other important statues, each representing a particular factor such as abundance or health.
Hope this blog alone, has excited you enough to plan your trip to Rome, soon enough. Is it? Do let us know!!
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