The only disappointing thing about about the Trevi Fountain is its name. “Fontana di Trevi” simply means ‘three street fountain.’ It is so-named simply because three streets lead up to it.
Other than the unimaginative naming, the Trevi Fountain is considered the world’s most famous fountain. Bernini was originally asked to design the Trevi Fountain in 1643 but had to abandon his plans due to the lack of church funds.
It was not until the year 1734 that a huge comptetion was held in Rome to award the winner the task of re-designing the Trevi Fountain.
But the selected winner was an artist from Florence and the Romans were so upset that a Florentine would be designing the fountain that they gave the commission to the man who came second. His name was Nicola Salvi.
Drinking from the Trevi Fountain
All the water coming from the Trevi Fountain is completely drinkable. This is because in the ancient Roman times all the water flowing into the Eternal City was clean spring water supplied by the fourteen aqueducts built by the first Roman Emperor Ceasar Augustus. The Trevi Fountain is built on the spot where the biggest of the fourteen aqueducts ends, and it is the only one of the fourteen aqueducts that has been continuely in use from 17B.C to today in 2011.
The Trevi Fountain Legend: A Coin Toss to Return to Rome
There is a famous legend that if you throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain with your right hand over your left shoulder you will return to Rome. If you throw in two coins you will fall in love in Rome and if you throw three coins in you will marry a Roman.
How Much Money is In the Trevi Fountain?
On average 3,000 coins are thrown into the Trevi Fountain every day. On average, that adds up to over $4,000 a day.
Where Does the Money in the Trevi Fountain Go?
The coins tossed into the Trevi Fountain are collected by the Catholic charity Caritas. The funds are used to provide services for needy families in Rome.
Trevi Fountain Tour
To learn more about this beautiful Roman landmark, join us on a Rome City Tour to see the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, The Pantheon and much more. Also check out Roman Empire Tours reviews on tripadvisor