A Guide to the Trevi Fountain
Three coins in the fountain,
Each one seeking happiness.
Thrown by three hopeful lovers.
Which one will the fountain bless?
This old song gives us the velvety voice of Frank Sinatra crooning about Rome’s magical Trevi Fountain. Italian citizens in Rome can promise that you do not want to miss this famous landmark.
Dual citizenship with Italy makes it much more simple to live and work throughout the country. From Milan to Rome to Sicily, you can enjoy all the benefits of being a citizen. The process can feel confusing when you try it by yourself. But the team at Get Italian Citizenship is here to help at every step.
What Is the Trevi Fountain?
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous landmarks in the world and is an impressive piece of Baroque artwork in the heart of Rome. The Fontana di Trevi is the largest fountain in a city full of them. It is an astounding eight stories tall and over 60 feet wide.
The fountain boasts three prominent sculptures, including the god, Neptune, riding a shell-shaped chariot. Made mostly out of travertine stone, the Trevi Fountain uses material that likely came from Tivoli, a town about 20 miles away from Rome. Working with the enormous travertine slabs was dangerous and even proved deadly for one worker when a slab crushed him.
The Trevi Fountain is the culmination of many different eras. Originally, the fountain was simply the endpoint of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct. This infrastructure provided water to the baths and citizens of Rome.
Pope Nicholas V oversaw the initial Trevi Fountain construction during the Renaissance. The final version that residents and visitors enjoy today emerged in 1762 and is largely the work of architect Nicola Salvi.
The name, Trevi, is a shortened version of two words. Tre vie translates to “three ways.” This phrase refers to the fountain’s location at the spot where three roads meet.
The Trevi Fountain As Movie Star
Legend has it that three coins thrown into the Trevi Fountain represent more than a wish. They are a promise. Throw in one coin, and you will return to Rome. Throw two coins, and you will find love. Throw in three, and you will get married in Rome.
At least, so goes the tale made famous by the 1954 movie, Three Coins in the Fountain, and the song of the same name. The Trevi Fountain is one of the most visited landmarks in a city full of them. The annual haul of coins from the fountain can exceed one million U.S. dollars.
The money that comes from the fountain goes to a Catholic charity called Caritas that uses the money to help feed the hungry in Rome.
Of course, you want to make sure your contribution to the Trevi Fountain waters works its magic. So tradition dictates that you toss the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder. In this way, your coin will pass over your heart on its way into the fountain.
And who knows? Maybe tossing in four coins means you will become a citizen!
People All Around
When in Rome, get used to crowds. Rome is full of people, and that is not only counting the tourists. Whether you are sightseeing or just going to work, you can plan on having people all around you, in close proximity.
And at tourist attractions, spaces get even more crowded. In a city overflowing with must-see attractions, the Trevi Fountain’s grandeur stands out.
The fountain’s plaza is jam-packed with people almost all the time. By mid-morning, the area in front of the Trevi is full of people throwing in coins and taking hundreds of selfies. But even with the crowds, it is worth seeing this stunning piece of art.
With some planning, you can give yourself a good chance at a much less crowded viewing experience. The early bird watches the fountain peacefully, so this means waking up when it is still dark. Arriving as early as possible also allows you to see the fountain at sunrise, which is a sight that is sure to take your breath away.
The Night Time Is the Right Time
Arriving early in the morning will give you almost unfettered access to this majestic work of Baroque art. However, for a very different and highly romantic experience, an evening visit is the way to go.
As night descends on the city and the atmosphere turns festive, the startling beauty of the Fontana di Trevi is remarkable. With the subtle lighting reflecting off all the right places, a night viewing of the fountain is unforgettable.
Walk the Walk
Rome is a walking city, so lace up your comfy shoes and fire up the Fit Bit. When you’re wandering the city for work or fun, you will rack up the steps.
Fortunately, if you get tired and need a rest, there is always an espresso and tasty pastry awaiting to refuel you. The Trevi Fountain is about a mile from the Sistine Chapel and a little less than two miles from the Colosseum. You will have plenty of choices in where you spend your time.
And if you like shopping, you are in luck. One of Rome’s most popular shopping districts, the Via del Corso, ends right at the Trevi Fountain. You could spend the day shopping, eating, and losing yourself in places that are thousands of years old. And make sure that as the sun goes down, you grab a gelato and head back to the fountain for one last look.
Come Join Us As Italian Citizens
Holding an Italian passport is one of the greatest privileges in the world. Your dual Italian citizenship will open up opportunities you never imagined. From traveling to working to attending school, Italy and the entire European Union are open to you.
If you’re tired of wishing on coins and want to take action, reach out to the experts at Get Italian Citizenship. We have walked the walk and are ready to help you do the same. With translations, genealogical research, and full application assistance, our team has what you need. Let’s connect and get started.
