Trevi Fountain History

Trevi Fountain history sees the famous Rome attraction being completed in 1762. Work began 30 years earlier, and the fountain was intended to replace a less dramatic example. It was also intended to beautify the termination point of an aqueduct that brought water into Rome. It was common practice to build such fountains in Rome, and this goes back to the early days of the Roman Empire.

One of the most interesting facts about the Trevi Fountain relates to the commission of its designer. In the Baroque era, it was popular practice to organize contests for architectural commissions. The right to design the Trevi Fountain came down to two designers in the end. These designers, or architects, were Nicola Salvi and Alessandro Galilei. Galilei actually ended up winning the commission originally, but since he hailed from Florence and Salvi was a son of Rome, the commission ultimately went to Salvi. A public outcry in the Italy capital was the main impetus for the switch.

Nicola Salvi didn’t live to see the completed version of the Trevi Fountain. He passed away in 1751. Before his death, however, he chose an Italian architect and painter by the name of Giuseppe Pannini to oversee the completion process. It is safe to say that Pannini did Salvi proud. Much like the Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain is widely regarded as a Baroque masterpiece.

In relation to the design of the Trevi Fountain, it features Neptunus Rex standing on a chariot. A pair of winged horses are responsible for pulling the god of the sea, and ultimately leading the way are two tritons. It is interesting to note that one of the horses is calm, while the other is agitated. This reflects the changing tendencies of the sea. Also representing the sea is the pool of water that can be found at the base of the fountain. It is popular practice to throw coins into this pool. Legend has it that those who do will return to Rome one day. Typically, people turn their backs to the fountain and throw their coins over the shoulder.