trevi fontein weetjes | 10 x Trevifontein trivia

The Trevi Fountain, or *Fontana di Trevi* as it's known in Italian, is more than just a stunning piece of Baroque architecture; it's a living, breathing symbol of Rome. Its cascading waters, intricate sculptures, and the constant hum of captivated visitors make it an unforgettable experience. But beyond its obvious beauty lies a wealth of history, myths, and surprising facts that often go unnoticed. This article delves deep into the heart of the Trevi Fountain, revealing the secrets and stories that make it one of the world's most beloved landmarks. From its origins as a humble aqueduct outlet to its modern-day status as a global icon, prepare to discover fascinating Trevi Fontein Weetjes you likely never knew before.

The Legend of the Coin Toss: More Than Just Wishing to Return

The most famous Trevi Fountain tradition, of course, is the coin toss. You stand with your back to the fountain, hold a coin in your right hand, and throw it over your left shoulder. The enduring belief is that this guarantees your return to Rome. But where did this custom originate, and what does it truly signify?

While the exact origins are debated, the tradition likely evolved from a combination of older Roman customs and a touch of romantic folklore. The ancient Romans often threw coins into water sources as offerings to the water gods, ensuring safe journeys and good fortune. This practice was later Christianized, with coins being tossed into holy wells and springs as a form of prayer.

The specific "over-the-shoulder" aspect is often attributed to a legend about a Roman soldier who was guided to a hidden spring by a young woman. Grateful for her help, he threw a coin into the spring as a gesture of thanks and to ensure his safe return from battle. This tale, combined with the general belief in the power of water and the symbolism of offering, likely coalesced into the tradition we know today.

However, the coin toss is not just about ensuring a return to Rome. Some believe that throwing a single coin guarantees a return visit, two coins lead to romance, and three coins promise marriage! While the romantic interpretations are more modern additions, they add to the fountain's allure and appeal to a younger generation.

The Money Matters: Where Do All Those Coins Go?

Every day, an estimated €3,000 is tossed into the Trevi Fountain. That's a staggering amount of money! For many years, the coins were collected by the City of Rome and donated to various charities. However, in recent years, the responsibility for collecting and managing the funds has been shifted. Currently, the coins are collected regularly, typically every night, using large vacuum cleaners and brushes. The money is then donated to a local Catholic charity, Caritas, which uses the funds to provide services for the poor and needy in Rome. This includes soup kitchens, shelters, and other essential support.

The collection process is carefully monitored to prevent theft, and the security measures have been significantly increased over the years. This ensures that the money reaches its intended destination and contributes to the well-being of the less fortunate in the city. So, when you toss your coin into the Trevi Fountain, you're not just fulfilling a tradition; you're also contributing to a worthy cause.

Beyond the Baroque: A Brief History of the Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain's history stretches back to ancient Rome, specifically to the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, constructed in 19 BC by Marcus Agrippa, the son-in-law of Emperor Augustus. This aqueduct, still functioning today, supplied clean drinking water to the city for over 400 years. The fountain marks the aqueduct's terminal point.

For centuries, a simple, utilitarian fountain stood at the site, serving as a public water source. However, it was Pope Clement XII who commissioned the grand Baroque masterpiece we know today. In 1732, he held a competition to design a new fountain, and Nicola Salvi, a relatively unknown Roman architect, won the commission.

Salvi's design seamlessly integrated the existing aqueduct outlet with a monumental sculptural composition. He envisioned a dramatic tableau celebrating the ocean and its power. Unfortunately, Salvi died in 1751, before the fountain was completed. The project was then taken over by several other architects, including Giuseppe Pannini, who made significant modifications to Salvi's original plans. The Trevi Fountain was finally completed in 1762, 30 years after its inception.

Oceanus: The God at the Heart of the Fountain

At the center of the Trevi Fountain stands Oceanus, the Titan god of the sea. He is depicted riding a shell-shaped chariot pulled by two sea horses, each guided by a Triton. One sea horse is calm and obedient, representing the tranquil nature of the sea, while the other is wild and restless, symbolizing the unpredictable power of the ocean.

Oceanus's imposing presence dominates the fountain, embodying the themes of nature, power, and abundance. His sculpted figure is a masterpiece of Baroque artistry, capturing the dynamism and drama that characterize the entire monument.

The Sculptural Details: Allegories and Symbolism