Secrets of the iconic fountain’s past include an architect’s revenge on a local barber.
From theColosseumto the Forum, the glory of the height of the Roman Empire can still be felt throughout.
Yet, more recent landmarks draw an equal number of onlookers in this tourist-filled city.
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TheTrevi Fountain, built in the 1700s, is perhaps one of Rome’s most iconic structures.
The Trevi Fountain serves as a modern marvel that links back to Rome’s fabled past.
Here are a few peculiar facts and legends you probably don’t know about the attraction.
Joshua Seong/Travel+Leisure
Joshua Seong/Travel+Leisure
The fountain site is one of Romes oldest water sources.
The aqueduct provided a vital source of water for thebustling center of Romeand its many public baths.
The sea god in the center is not who you think it is.
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The statues represent the different characteristics of rivers and seas.
The original architect died before its completion.
The Ace of Cups" sculpture was built for revenge.
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Day in and day out, he’d pester Salvi with his dismay.
The Trevi Fountain appears in some famous films.
More recently, it appeared in “The Lizzie McGuire Movie” (2003).
It’s been a victim of vandalism.
Both times, the fountain was quickly drained before the precious stone was able to absorb the stain.
Coins tossed in the fountain go directly to charity.
A third guarantees aRoman wedding.
The fountain underwent emergency repair after parts of it began to crumble.
To carry on the tradition of coin-throwing, a basin was added to its base during renovations.
It pumps out more water per day than one American uses in a lifetime.
(Don’t worry, the water is recycled.)
