Three Coins in the Fountain is the name of a 1954 film that introduced a song of the same name and from then became a famous song. The film tells the story of 3 American girls looking for romance in Rome and where employed at the American Embassy. The fountain mentioned in the song is actually the Trevi Fountain in Rome.

The film was adapted from the book - Coins in the Fountain - by John H Secondari and the film won 2 Oscars for best cinematography and best music, song. It was also nominated for best picture. The 3 versus from the song are:

Three coins in the fountain,
Each one seeking happiness,
Thrown by three hopeful lovers,
Which one will the fountain bless?

Three hearts in the fountain,
Each heart longing for its home,
There they lie in the fountain,
Somewhere in the heart of Rome

Three coins in the fountain,
Through the ripples how they shine,
Just one wish will be granted,
One heart will wear a valentine.

So, what about the Trevi Fountain... or Fontana di Trevi?
Approach the fountain through a maze of narrow alleyways and you will never fail to be astonished by the baroque extravaganza that greats you. It is almost like a giant stage is set out before you. The centrepiece of the fountain is a figure of Neptune who rides on a seashell drawn by 2 winged sea horses and led by tritons. The rearing horse symbolises the turmoil of the sea and the calm steed its tranquility. The fountain sits at the end of the Aqua Virgo, one of the aquaducts that supplied ancient Rome with pure water from outside the city. It was designed by Nicola Salvi in 1730 using elements of an earlier design by Bernini.

The Trevi Fountain in Rome also played host to the film La Dolce Vita when Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg took a plunge in the fountain. Today, the fountain is purified with chlorine, although playing in the fountain is frowned upon, and you are only allowed to throw a coin in over your shoulder which is said to ensure your return to Rome.