European Ribbon

📖  Introduction

Undoubtedly, the most famous of Rome’s fountains is the Trevi Fountain. Monumental and leaning against the Palazzo Poli, it feels like an extension of the palace itself. The square was enlarged just for it, and its construction, including preparations, took nearly 300 years. Often immortalized on the silver screen, this is the fountain where the sensual Anita Ekberg waded in the iconic scene from Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita. Frank Sinatra sang about it in Three Coins in the Fountain, and Jon Bon Jovi in Thank You for Loving Me. Behold the Trevi Fountain.

The Square and the Fountain

The first decision to rebuild the old fountain at this site was made by Pope Nicholas V in the mid-15th century, who assigned the task to artist Leon Battista Alberti. However, 200 years later, Pope Urban VIII deemed the fountain inadequate and entrusted his favorite, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, with designing a new fountain and reimagining the surrounding area. From 1635 to 1641, even before receiving official approval, preparatory work began: the square, once a crossroads, was expanded, several buildings were demolished, and Alberti’s fountain was moved. This renovation was funded by proceeds from a controversial “wine tax” imposed by the pope to beautify Rome. Funds soon ran out, however, and Urban VIII’s death in 1644 led to Bernini’s project being abandoned.

Another 100 years passed before Pope Clement XII announced a new design competition in 1730. It was won by French sculptor Adam Lambert-Sigisbert, yet his design was never realized—partly because he was recalled to France, and partly due to the pope’s reluctance to entrust the project to a foreigner.

Ultimately, Nicola Salvi’s design was chosen. It combined elements of Bernini’s vision with a new classical grandeur while remaining more affordable than other proposals. Salvi’s plan required demolishing part of the Palazzo Poli’s central structure, as the fountain was to be incorporated into the palace’s rear wall.

Work began in 1732, and by 1735, Pope Clement XII inaugurated the incomplete fountain, perhaps sensing he would not live to see its completion. Nicola Salvi also passed away before the fountain’s finalization in 1751. The project was ultimately completed by Pietro Bracci, aided by his son. The Trevi Fountain was officially inaugurated in 1762 during the pontificate of Clement XIII.

Architectural Composition

At the center, in a large niche, stands a statue of the ocean god Oceanus, sculpted by Pietro Bracci. Depicted as a strong, muscular figure with a proud expression, Oceanus stands on a shell-shaped chariot. His chariot is pulled by two sea creatures, a hybrid of horse and fish, symbolizing the two states of the sea: the turbulent one on the left represents a storm, while the calm one on the right signifies tranquility.

On either side of the central niche are statues of Health and Abundance, created by Fillippo della Valle. These figures are framed by four columns, above which are reliefs.

The relief above the Allegory of Abundance depicts Marcus Agrippa approving the construction of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct. The relief above the Allegory of Health shows a Roman maiden indicating to Agrippa’s soldiers the source of the water.

At the very top, in the center, is the Corsini family coat of arms of Pope Clement XII, along with a commemorative inscription dedicated to the pope, celebrating his role in adorning the “virgin aqueduct, famed for its abundance and health-giving properties.”

For centuries, the fountain has been fed by water from the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, which has endured for over 2,000 years.

Why “di Trevi”?

There are several theories behind the name “di Trevi.” One suggests it refers to the convergence of three roads at the current square. Another theory links it to the mythical maiden who showed Agrippa’s soldiers the source of the water – the life-giving spring named in her honor.

Church

At the edge of the square stands the Baroque Church of St. Vincent and St. Anastasius in Trevi. The church has medieval origins but was elevated to the status of a parish in 1570 by Cardinal Giulio Mazarin. Its beautiful travertine façade is adorned with numerous Corinthian columns—ten in the lower row, six in the upper row, and two flanking the windows, totaling 18 columns, which Romans humorously referred to as a “reed”.

Cardinal Mazarin not only had his coat of arms placed at the top of the façade but also his own bust. Additionally, there is a bust of his niece, Hortense Mancini—the only secular woman represented on a church façade in Rome. Hortense was not only Mazarin’s protégée but also the first love of King Louis XIV of France.

Among tourists, the church is most famous for containing the embalmed hearts of 22 popes, from Sixtus V to Leo XIII, earning it the nickname “the papal parish”.

Coins in the Fountain

The tradition of tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain is one of the oldest customs. It dates back to antiquity when small offerings were left in sacred springs to win the favor of local deities. Today, only coins are tossed, and the ritual has specific rules: you must stand with your back to the Palazzo Poli, toss the coin with your left hand over your right shoulder, and keep your eyes closed. One coin symbolizes a wish to return to Rome, two represent a hope for love, and three promise marriage.

For years, Roman authorities attempted to discourage this practice, as coins polluted the water, clogged the filters, and damaged valuable sculptures. These efforts proved ineffective, however. Since 2006, coins have been collected by the city and donated to Roman Caritas. Every day, nearly four thousand euros are retrieved from the Trevi Fountain.