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the trevi fountain is one of rome's hot spots Apr 21, 2008
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One of Girlawhirl's favorite stops during a trip to Rome is enjoying a gelato in front of La Fontana di Trevi. It's one of the most crowded sites in the city, but Girlawhirl still gets a chill down her spine as she approaches and hears the rushing water before it even comes into site... The incredible Baroque fountain – famously depicted in Fellini's La Dolce Vita – is the end point of the Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct that brought water to ancient Roman thermal baths. According to legend, thirsty Roman soldiers were sent to find the closest natural spring to Rome. On their journey they found a young virgin who led them to the source. This is the origin of the “virgin waters” name for the water that flows there. The other, Trevi, comes from the area's original name, Trebium.
The fountain as it appears today was commissioned by Pope Clement XII. He decided to replace the fountain originally designed by Leon Battista Alberti in 1453, with a new larger and more substantial one. Nicola Salvi created the 85-foot high, 65-foot wide, design that stands today.
The fountain's most imposing sculpture is a large depiction of Neptune – the god of water – in the center; his seashell chariot is guided by two Tritons riding seahorses. On either side of Neptune are two statues; Abundance spills water from her urn and Salubrity holds up a cup that a snake drinks from. Above, a scene depicting the virgin leading the soldiers to water is carved into the wall. The fountain's theme is “Taming of the Waters.”
In 1998 the fountain was restored – with a good scrub – to the gleaming state it is in today and recirculating pumps were added. Legend has it that if a visitor throws a coin into the fountain, they are assured a return visit to Rome, which is the reason, Girlawhirl thinks, that it's always so crowded!
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