The Trevi Fountain is at the ending part of the Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct constructed in 19BC. It brings water all the way from the Salone Springs [approximately 20km from Rome] and supplies the fountains in the historic centre of Rome with Water.
The central figure of the fountain, in front of a large niche, is Neptune, god of the sea. He is riding a chariot in the shape of a shell, which is pulled by two horses. One of the horses is calm and obedient, and the other one restless. The horses symbolise the fluctuating moods of the sea. On the left hand side of Neptune is a statue representing Abundance, the statue on the right represents Salubrity.
The water at the bottom of the fountain represents the sea and legend has it that whoever would toss a coin into the fountain [with their back towrads it] would one day return to Rome.
Return to previous page
