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Picture
of the Trevi Fountain
 | Neptune |
The
Trevi Fountain is one of the most popular and photographed fountain in the world.
This grand fountain, most likely the most beautiful one in Rome, is located in
the Quirinale district and is the masterpiece of the small Trevi square. "Trevi"
is derived from the word "Trivium", meaning a three streets meeting
point. This monumental baroque Trevi Fountain is within a walking distance of
the Piazza Navona and
the Spanish Steps.  | Abundance |
The fountain was designed by Nicola Salvi, who was
commissioned by Pope Clement XII in 1732. Salvi based his designed on one that
Bernini started one century earlier but he was halted after the death of Pope
Urban VIII. It took about thirty years to build the fountain and it was finally
completed in 1762.
The Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct constructed two thousand
years ago still supplies the fountain's water. The aqueduct was built by General
Agrippa under Augustus around 19 B.C. and it brought water from the Salone springs
19 kilometres away into Rome. The Aqua Virgo, or "Vergine", is the only
aqueduct that never interrupted to provide the city with water since the ancient
Romans.  | Salubrity |
This sculptural masterpiece is a magnificent theatrical
representation of the forces of the sea. The main figure of the fountain, under
a sober Arch of Triumph, is that of the god Neptune (god of the
sea). He is riding a shell shaped type of chariot that is pulled by many horses.
The fluctuating moods of the sea is symbolized by having some horses calm and
obedient while others are restive and agitated. The galloping over water horses
are guided by Tritons. The sea is represented by the water at the bottom.
A small niche to the left of Neptune has the statue of Abundance
while another on the right has the one of Salubrity.
According to
legend, if you toss a coin into the water you'll be back to visit Rome someday.
Horses
and Tritons | 
