A lovely Fountain with its own charm and so much history and sculpture depicting its own story. It is more than just a mere fountain and most don’t even know what is really about. So here is a summary what the Trevi Fountain really is.

There are some places in the world, which are very popular, and may be called “touristic sites” but they never fail to thrill the visitors. The Trevi fountain is one of those places that hold a special charm. People from all over the world are attracted to this place, and visit it time and time again like as though its an aphrodisiac. The charm never wanes.

You find visitors throwing coins into the fountain over their shoulder to ensure the return to Rome. This originated from the Italians who would throw coins to the Gods to keep them safe and ensure their return when they go on a long journey.

But few really know the history and myths that lies behind the Trevi fountain, built in 19 BC, the Trevi fountain is made of travertine stone which is a mineral stone made from calcium carbonate deposits from the hot water springs. In the center of the sculpture of the Trevi fountain under the Triumphal Arch, stands the majestic figure of “Ocean”, the son of Sky and Vesta,. Ocean has a short thick wand in one hand which is like that used by Roman Emperors and in the other hand he holds up his garment to cover his nudity. His flowing long beard is said to depict wisdom and power. Although one cannot see it at first, Ocean is being carried through the sea on a triumphal chariot by two horses. One horse is restless and depicts the restlessness of the sea and is managed by a young Triton (a Greek God who is a messenger of the sea) while the other horse is calm symbolizing the tranquility of the sea and is managed by an older man who is blowing a conch shell to announce their arrival. In Greek mythology it said that when the conch shell is blown it calms or raises the waves of the sea.

In the Trevi fountain, on one side of the sculpture of Ocean is the statue of Abundance who holds in its hand the Horn of Plenty. On the other side stands the Statue of Health with a wreath of laurels crowning its head. Health is said to be the Goddess of health, sanitation and cleanliness. She holds in her hand a cup for a snake to drink.

The sculptures in the Trevi fountain are fascinating and only few know their story. The four main statues right on top of it depicts the beneficial effects of rain on earths fertility. It shows the four main products that depend on water supply. The Horn of Plenty is said to symbolize the abundance of fruits while the ears of wheat is said to symbolize the fertility of crops. Then there is the cup and bunches of grapes which is said to symbolize the products of autumn. The last statue is adorned with pretty flowers and is said to symbolize the gardens.

How the Trevi fountain got its name is also interesting. The word Trevi comes from the Latin word Trivium, which is said to refer to a spot where three streets cross. There are three streets crossing at the spot where the Trevi fountain has been built, hence the name. The great aqueduct system which was being built to supply water to the thermal baths that were built near the Pantheon, was destroyed due to the invasion in 537 and the subsequent restorations did not go past the “Trivium” crossing. It was stopped at this point and therefore the Trevi fountain came into being at this spot.

Today the sparkling water sings beautifully as it rolls off the lips of the fountain into the clear blue pond below. The water glistens as the sun shines on the many coins that line the bottom of the pond put there by travelers who wish to return to Rome once more. Coins of all shapes and sizes and from all countries round the world lie there. Every night the coins are collected and given to an Italian charity called Caritas who use the money for a super market program where rechargeable cards are given to Italy’s needy people to buy their groceries. So when you throw that coin into the water you are also helping the needy. And don’t even try to steal the coins in that pond as it’s a crime and hidden cameras are watching you all the time!!!

So now that you have read this article, the next time you visit the beautiful Trevi fountain you will know the history and tales behind it and it would be a more interesting trip for you. The atmosphere here is fabulous. People taking photographs from all angles, dancing, and singing happily around the Trevi Fountain while the stone statue of Ocean looms overhead and the waves of the sea spill out the water into the calm crystal blue pond below makes this place a magical. An ambience of happiness, comradeship and peace prevails. New friendships and new beginnings. It is definitely a must visit place in Rome day or night. The little cafes on the streets around the Trevi fountain gives refuge to your tired little feet and your rumbling stomach and your thirsty mouth, so don’t forget to pop into one of them before you head back.

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