The Trevi Fountain

Located in the rione of Trevi, the Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous and most appreciated fountains of Rome. The fountain is the final part of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, built in 19 BC.  The fountain was built by the architect Salvi in 1735 in the time of Clement XII. The fountain was The fountain was finished in 1762 by Giuseppe Pannini.

Restoration began in 1998, the stonework being scrubbed and pumps and oxidizers being built in the fountain.  Legend says that in 19 BC Roman technicians found a water source with the help of a virgin, scene which is presented on the facade of the fountain. It transports water 20km outside Rome to the fountains in the historic center of Rome.

The fountain depicts in the center Neptune, the god of the sea riding a chariot pulled by two horses, symbolizing the moods of the sea. On Neptune's left side, a statue representing Abundance is found, while on the right side is one representing Salubrity.  Above the statues, there is a bas-reliefs, one of them showing Agrippa, the girl after whom the aqueduct was named.

There is also a legend linked to the famous fountain. If a visitor tosses a coin into the fountain, they are bound to return to Rome. It is also said that it brings good luck is a person throws three coins with one's right hand over one's left shoulder into the Trevi Fountain. Over 3,000 Euro are thrown daily into the fountain, money which is gathered at night and used to finance markets for Rome's needy.