Rome Fun

The Trevi is probably the most famous fountain in Rome and one of the most well-known in the world. In reality, there are few that don't know about the Fontana di Trevi, as it is an indisputable symbol of the Italian capital.

It is an important architectural work, a harmonious blend of classicism and Baroque styles, situated to the back of the Palazzo Poli. The theme, to which both the individual elements and the whole refer, is that of the sea. The structure is dominated by the scene of a chariot in the shape of a shell, within which a statue of Oceanus, designed by the sculptor Pietro Bracci, stands upright. The statue is flanked on each side by other figures representing Abundance and Salubrity, and the chariot is drawn by seahorses, preceded by the figure of Triton.

The importance and notoriety of the fountain have led it to be approached by the cinema world. One of the most famous scenes of Italian cinema, if not of the world screen, sees the fountain starring alongside Anita Ekberg and Marcello Mastroianni. This is, of course, La Dolce Vita, by Federico Fellini, an unforgettable cinematic piece de resistance. Years before, the fountain had again figured on the big screen, this time in an American film, "Three Coins In The Fountain". And in "Tototruffa 62", we witness the attempt of Toto' to sell the fountain on to a naive and ignorant visitor, and with it the residual rights of photos taken by tourists. It is filled with gags and comical situations, in the quintessential style of Toto'.

But there are also other popular traditions, other than that of tossing coins in (as cited in the song "Arrivederci Roma") which are linked to the celebrated Roman fountain. To the right hand side of the fountain, there is a large vase of travertine, also known as the 'Ace of Cups'. It is said that Salvi had decided to include it solely to spoil the view of a barber at an adjacent shop, who was grumbling about the construction works on the fountain. And then again there exists the tradition of the water of love: when, in the past, water from the fountain was drunk and moreover considered to be among the best in quality in the city, girls would make their own fiancés drink a glass as a sign of fidelity. The glass was subsequently preserved to seal their bond and to augur happiness.

A Rome apartment (Appartamento Roma) within the central part of the city will grant easy access to the Trevi fountain, as well as to all the other splendid monuments in the historic centre. For further information on the capital, please consult the articles within this on-line blog. Make sure to book your Rome hotel (Hotel Roma) or any Rome accommodation (Alloggio a Roma).