Rome - The Magic of the Trevi Fountain
There is perhaps no other fountain like the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy. Iconic, beautiful, detailed, ornate - what's not to love?
Your reporter visited the Trevi Fountain, or as the Italians affectionately call it "Fontana di Trevi" and could not get over how magical that visit really was.
There is a particular soothing and uplifting quality fountains have, no matter where in the world the traveller goes. The cascading serenity of water features, the accompanying art work, and the revellers who pay homage to the special ones.
The Trevi Fountain in Rome has been immortalised through the film La Dolce Vita, when Sylvia was cavorting around in the sprays of the fountain in an elegant black dress. This scene has become one of the most celebrated images in history.
And one could see why.
Aside from how breath-taking Anita Ekberg the actress was, the true star of the film arguably was the Trevi Fountain itself.
Your reporter visited the scenic location the European summer. Standing at 26 metres high and 20 metres wide, it is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and arguably the most famous worldwide.
The journey to the Trevi fountain began in another ancient Italian city, Bologna. Your reporter took a Eurostar train from Bologna to Rome. The trip took four hours. A relaxing and comfortable ride, with the idyllic scene of cute little angelic Italian children running around wreaking havoc in the train carriage.
Once your reporter arrived at the Termini, one of Rome's busiest train stations, it was necessary to set down baggage at a nearby motel. After freshening g up and re-energising with a Red Bull, everything was for the taking!.
The Bus routes to catch to the Trevi Fountain are routes 52, 53, 61, 63, 71, 95. A word of warning, Rome is full of pickpockets, so dear traveller, hold onto your valuables, and pay attention to your wallet and mobile phone, whether you are on the bus or train, but especially at tourist attractions.
Back to the Trevi Fountain - once the traveller gets to the Fountain, found inside the heart of Rome, the traveller will be won over instantly. Do not pay attention to the hordes of tourists clamouring about. Grab yourself a gelato from one of the many gelato stands and bask in the wonder that is the Fontana di Trevi.
The place was created by Nicola Salvi and was completed in 1762. The design was based on Bernini's earlier project which was abandoned after the death of Pope Urban VIII.
When you look closely, you will see that the fountain depicts Neptune, the Ancient Roman sea god, in a chariot pulled by seahorses - very fitting with the fountain/water theme. They are guided by tritons, mythological sea creatures.
There are several legends connected with the Trevi Fountain. One of them is that the Romans enlisted the help of a virgin to help them find the pure water in this area.
There is another well known legend that if you toss a coin with your right hand standing with your back to the Trevi Fountain, you will return to Rome so make sure you don't forget that.
The Trevi Fountain is the most romatic spot in Rome and the best time to go is at 3am however; because no one will be there. Only you, the fountain and the soothing water, all unifying to be one.