Trevi Fountain, Rome

Trevi Fountain is a rather legendary spot in Rome. People go there to toss in coins over their shoulders, which is supposed to guarantee that they will come back to Rome in the future. The fountain is the one featured in Three Coins in a Fountain (both the song and the movie) as well as Roman Holiday and La Dolce Vita.

Trevi Fountain

The most surprising thing about the fountain is that it was built relatively recently, in 1762. Designer Nicola Salvi went a bit wild with an exuberant display of water and stone. The central figure is Neptune, god of the seas. On his right is a Triton trying to master a difficult sea stallion; on his left is another Triton leading a docile sea stallion. The two represent the storminess and calmness of the sea.

Center of the fountain

Tame that horse!

So tame, he could blow a horn and not spook the horse!

We took turns tossing coins in the fountain. J and L both asked who threw the farthest. Since they didn't see and I wasn't paying that close attention, I told the most palatable result to keep the peace among them.

J's toss!

Fountain and family

My toss with authentic blur

The fountain is an amazing sight and does draw massive crowds, which also draws many merchants trying to push their wares. The most annoying item is the little gel pig that the salesmen throw to the ground. The pig makes a funny noise and then is smashed flat. The pig then reforms into pig shape, ready for another go. One fellow kept following us around. When I asked my wife about it, she said L was interested in getting one. It would truly be the worst souvenir ever if we bought one. We bought her some gelato instead.

The crowd at Trevi

Crowd-eye-view