Fontana di Trevi

The Fontana di Trevi is arguably the most beautiful fountain in all of Rome. It was originally designed by Bernini in 1722, but building was halted after the death of Pope Urban VIII. Pope Clement XII later commissioned Nicola Salvi to create a larger fountain at Trevi Square, and Salvi based his own design off of Bernini's. The symbolic fountain centers around Neptune, god of the sea. He stands tall and commanding, towering over the water below which represents the sea. Two horse sculptures rest at his sides, pulling Neptune's shell shaped chariot. Their differing moods, one being obedient and the other restive, symbolize the fluctuating moods of the sea. A statue representing Salubrity stands on Neptune's right, and on his left is another representing Abundance. The sculpture of Agrippa, the girl after whom the aqueduct was named, rests above the sculpture in a detailed bas-relief. Before leaving the fountain, throw a coin over your shoulder with your back facing the fountain. Legend says if you do this, you will return to Rome someday.