Trevi Fountain – 10 Fun Facts

“Toss a coin to make sure you visit Rome again”. These are the most uttered lines whenever you talk about the famous Trevi fountain of Rome. So people all across the world come here and make sure to throw a coin to validate their return to Rome.

Did you know that throwing coins are not only the fun part of the Trevi fountain? There are a number of facts about the Trevi fountain that can entertain you in multiple ways. From history to architecture to movie reference Trevi fountain has it all.

Here are 10 facts that you need to know about the Trevi fountain. Let’s get right into it.

1. The story behind the name Trevi

The name Trevi came from the location of the fountain. ‘Trevi’ means ‘three-ways’. The legend says that the name refers to the junction of three roads on Piazza dei Cruciferae. Because the fountain was located right on the middle of 3 roads endpoint.

Some also try to connect the name reference with the famous goddess Trivia. She is the protector of the streets of Rome. According to mythology, she also has three heads to see everything going on around her.

So the Trevi fountain name linked to the goddess trivia is something one can’t deny.

2. The God is not Neptune

The intriguing sea God featured in the Trevi fountain that we all admire is not Neptune. It’s the Greek sea God Oceanus. Though many mistake him for Neptune. If the God there was Neptune then he was supposed to have a trifork and his companion dolphin.

Unlike in the Trevi fountain, we can see Oceanus alongside sea-horses and Tritons. Tritons are half men and half mermen. Basically, Salvi wanted to portray a scenario in the water with the Godof the ocean and his companions.

3. 3000 euros thrown a day

Favoring the fact that you will return to Rome if you throw a coin in the water on the fountain. And who doesn’t wanna return to Rome? Hence more or less every visitor throws at least a coin on the water of the Trevi fountain. The estimated amount?

3 000 Euros. A day.

Every night the coins are collected for charity. The charity goes to an Italian organization named Caritas. The program provides rechargeable cards to the needy to help them get groceries in Rome.

4. Featured in films

For its undeniable relation with love, romance, hope, and God, Trevi fountain has appeared in many poems and movies. Such as,

• The Marble Faun – by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• Three Coins in the Fountain – a Trevi fountain-centric movie. ( 1954)
• Roman Holiday – movie ( 1953)
• Lizzie McGuire – Movie
• La Dolce Vita – movie ( 1960)

La Dolce Vita was acted by a famous italian actor named Marcello Mastroianni. In whose death the fountain was draped in black cover to honor actor.

5. One of the oldest water sources

You can draw the inherent line of the Trevi fountain with the ancient Aqua Virgo an Aqueduct constructed in 19 B.C. As it was the primary water source of the Trevi fountain. It circulated clean water for baths and the fountains of central Rome.

The Aqua Virgo or also known as Virgin Waters honors the great act of kindness of a Roman girl. Who led thirsty soldiers to the source of the spring to drink.

Trevi fountain was built at the endpoint of the aqueduct. At the junction of three roads. Hence Trevi fountain is directly related to the water source history of ancient Rome.

At present Trevi fountain pumps out about 2,824,800 cubic feet of water every day. No need to worry about water wastage. The water is recycled on the nearby faucets.

6. Material same as the Colosseum

Have you been to the Colosseum yet? Did you notice the semi marvel like material used in its structure? Seems familiar right? Yes. Trevi fountain as well as many other Rome architectural masterpieces are built out of this same material.

It’s called travertine stone. Which means “from the Tiber” in Latin. It’s a mineral made of calcium carbonate formed from spring waters.

The source of the stone? To be precise the stones are extracted from the city of Tivoli, about 22 miles from Rome.

It is said that many men were injured and died while working with these humongous stones. In 1734 there was a stonecutter who got crushed by a large block of travertine.

7. Meaning of the horses and the statues

The triton on the left of Oceanus can be seen having trouble with a restless horse. He represents rough seas. On the other hand, the right one with a calmer horse represents the tranquility of the ocean.

The Agrippa to the left represents the abundance of source of water. On the right, we have Virgo representing the water as health and nourishment.

8. Throw three coins to get married

In Rome this culture is called “il lancio Della monetina.” the number of coins thrown will give you hope of different results. For instance.

• 1 coin – safe return to Rome.
• 2 coins – safe return to Rome and you’ll fall in love.
• 3 coins – safe return to Rome, fall in love and get married.

How romantic isn’t it? The tradition is more popularized by the famous movie Three Coins in the Fountain. Believe it or not, there’s no harm in trying your luck with love and Trevi fountain.

9. Gambling saved the fountain

At the project, the decision-making process Salvi was counting on that time in authority Pope Clement. To approve the financing of the works he used third extraction of the lotto game to pay for it. So technically the reintroduction of the lotto in Rome financed the Trevi Fountain.

10. Not designed by Bernini

Bernini is one of the most renowned and celebrated architects of Roman history. He designed 5 gorgeous fountains in Rome. one of which is the central fountain on Piazza Navona. But the true fact is beautiful Trevi fountain is not designed by Bernini himself. Though he contributed in the process of making it.

In 1629 Bernini was commissioned to build a new Trevi Fountain. Due to a public outcry, the project was on hold for a long time. In the end, Bernini left the fountain as a semicircular basin without decorations.

The original designer of the Trevi fountain is Nicola Salvi. surprisingly is was a poet and philosopher. He wasn’t an experienced architect. He started working on the Trevi fountain in 1732. His aim was to create a great waterfall that should spring from the façade of a palazzo.

Unfortunately, Salvi died before the fountain was completed and inaugurated in May 1762. He also designed a set piece for a firework display in Piazza di Spagna.

Bonuses

There are so many interesting facts about the Trevi fountain that I just can’t stop. So here are a few bonus fun facts about the famous Trevi fountain.

• There’s also a saying ‘A sip of water from the Trevi Fountain would ensure a return to Rome.
• You can get into the fountain or drink its water. Or else you will be charged a 500€ fine.
• Theives used to steal money from Trevi fountain. three were caught by a T.V. show using a hidden camera in 2011.
• A person stole the coins from the fountain for 34 years before he was caught in the summer of 2002.
• In 2007, an intruder dumped a liquid substance into the fountain turning the water red.

To keep the integrity of this article being a quick fun fact piece I am retaining myself from giving you any more spoilers. Go on by yourself and experience the magic of the Trevi fountain first hand.

Nearby attractions

Rome is a complete package. Just like the Trevi fountain you can get an extra dose of myth, art, history, and magic in the nearby tourist attractions. For your convenience, I am adding a few here,

The Spanish Steps: It is located about 6-7 blocks north of the Trevi Fountain. This set of stairs are a popular meeting location for tourists. Filled with branded shops and looks stunning in the spring.

The Pantheon: In the west of the Trevi Fountain you will find the famous ancient monument the pantheon. An architectural phenomenon built 2000 years ago. It has the largest unsupported dome in the world. Plus it is the last resting place of famous artist and sculptor Raphael.

Piazza Barberini: It is the closest metro stop to the east. Very popular for a number of historic events. Previously it was known as Circus of Flora. To celebrate the spring floral games were played here.

Wrap up

Hope this list sheds some light on the unknown facts about the cute and romantic Trevi fountain. When you know better you travel better and when you travel better you get to know even better.

Though the Trevi fountain is always open for all still try to avoid visiting it in peak hours. Usually, it gets crowded between the hours of 12 pm – 7 pm. Try to visit either before or after this peak time.

Want me to recommend a time? Be there between the hours of 6 am – 10 am. Have a lovely visit. ciao.