June
18
Water Fountain Design
The Trevi Water Fountain of Rome, Italy
Author: Stacey Boothe Snelling
The Trevi Water Fountain, which stands in the Trevi Rione at 85 feet in height and 65 feet in width, is the largest and, quite possibly, the most famous Baroque fountain located in Rome, Italy. This majestic fountain is found at what was once the junction of the three roads that marks the spot where the modern Acqua Vergine aquaduct that supplied water to the city ended. Being at the crossing of three roads gives the Trevi Water Fountain its name, which was taken from tre vie. The Acqua Vergine is known as the revivified Aqua Virgo, which is one of the ancient aqueducts that supplied ancient Rome with water.
The stories that can be seen on the present fountain’s façade tell of Roman technicians locating sources of pure water with the help of virgins in 19 BC. The original fountain was built by Pope Nicholas V in the mid 1400s as a simple basin. Over time, as requested by Pope Urban VII who evidently didn’t care for the fountain’s original design, the ordinary fountain was reconstructed into the stunning piece of artwork seen today. Before his death, Pope Urban VIII’s architect had the fountain moved to the opposite side of the main square so he could see it from his room. Once dead, the project was left forgotten and was not completed until Pope Clement XII, in the early 1700s held a contest to determine a new design so the project could be completed.
The work on the current Trevi Water Fountain, done by Nicola Slavi, began in 1732, but was not completed until 1762. For the next 236 years the famous fountain remained essentially untouched, but in 1998, the stonework was cleaned and the pumps used to recirculate the water were replaced with some that could do the job more effectively and efficiently.
As with so many fountains, people are inclined to throw coins into the Trevi Water Founain in Rome, but one must be aware of and observe the few longstanding traditions that come to hurling coins into the sparkling water that tumbles, then pools in its basin. The first traditional belief is that you will have an opportunity of returning to Rome for a second visit if you throw in just a single coin. It is often believed that throwing two coins in will result in finding true love. And, three coins thrown into the fountain will guarantee the thrower the marriage or divorce he’s after – whichever he thinks he needs at the time.
When you travel to Italy, you will not want to miss the opportunity to visit this spectacular water fountain. Be sure you check the guide available online through http://www.famouswaterfountains.com/; it is sure to help you in determining which fountains are the most exciting to see, which have a rich historical background, where to find the fountains, and which water features will be most enjoyable on your site seeing tour. When you visit the Trevi Water Fountain, be sure you throw in a coin or two – your bit of money will help stock a local supermarket for those in need, plus, you might just get what you’ve wished for to boot!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/the-trevi-water-fountain-of-rome-italy-1534263.html
About the Author
http://www.famouswaterfountains.com/
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