The trevi Fountain in Rome is probably one of the biggest, most spectacular fountains in the Eternal city.
It is one of the essential stops on a visit to the Eternal City that amazes not only for its beauty, but also for its fascinating history.
The origins of Trevi Fountain date back to the 19th Century Bc. When at the beginning, it served as the ending point of the Aqueduct, “Aqua Virgo“. Legend has it that this name was coined by Maco Vispanio Agrippa (founder of many buildings in Imperialistic Rome in the area of Campus Martius surrounding the Trevi Fountain, including the Pantheon). As of Agrippa’s narrations, the Aqueduct was shown to him by a group of thirsty soldiers, returning home after one of the many assignments they would receive from a beautiful woman, a virgin. Hence the name: Aqua Virgo means Virgin waters.
The first Trevi Fountain has renaissance origins. It was with the supervision of Pope Nicolas the 5th in 1453, that the restorations of the Roman Aqueduct begun, following the plans of two very distinguished architects, Leon Battista Alberti and Bernardo Rossellini.
The Fountain however started to take shape only under Pope Urbano the 8th, who assigned its construction to Gian Lorenzo Bernini. As the project took form, the Pope wanted it to be bigger and bigger and even more amazing without counting the fact that it would inevitably take longer, with all the changes and upgrades and it would obviously cost more. Therefore, to make ends meet, he was forced to raise the tax on wine, which created inevitable discontentment among the Roman People. And Bernini was forced to use, in some occasions, the dismantled materials obtained from the previous project. So time, money and energy were all concentrated on this enormous fountain.
Unfortunately, both the Pope and Bernini did not live long enough to see it finished.
It was Pope Clemente the 12th, over a hundred years later, to celebrate the Fountain’s conclusions, in May of 1762. And it’s in his honor that an inscription in the center of the Fountain reads “Clemens XII PONT MAX”. And it’s the Architect Giuseppe Pannini who was in charge of ending the fountain’s construction as we see it today: a masterpiece that, you will notice, is encompassed in a portion of the lower façade of a monumental building, Palazzo Poli.
Adorned from left to right with 4 monumental statues dated 1753:
In the center of its majestic niche, you can see the statue of the God of the Seas, standing on a seashell pulled by two winged seahorses, one for each side. The one on the left is raging and it’s driven by the young version Triton, while the seahorse on the right is peaceful and it’s driven by the older version of Triton. An allegorical contribution to the different phases of the human life: Past, Present and Future.
Did you ever wonder what is meaning the lies behind such a famous act of tossing a coin into the Fountain?
Very few know, that one of the main characters that started this modern day tradition is actually a movie: The 1954 “Three coins in the Trevi Fountain” and it recites: Tossing one coin in the Fountain you will return to Rome someday, tossing two coins in the fountain you will find love with an Italian and finally, tossing three coins in the fountain you will marry the Italian you met. Mind you, the prediction is only true if you toss the coins over your left shoulder, with your right hand.
Another less known legend is the stream of the lovers
On the side of the fountain you can find a drinking fountain called the Lovers’ stream. With a marble bench to sit and a system of two little sprouts that cross each other, from which young lovers would have to drink.
The tradition consisted in a glass of water, that the boyfriends would have to drink from, and after pass the empty glass to their girlfriends that would smash the glass, as a pact of fidelity and love.
Curiosities on the movie “La Dolce Vita” in the Trevi Fountain in Rome
If you haven’t seen “La Dolce Vita”, you absolutely have to watch it before heading to the Trevi Fountain
This masterpiece by Federico Fellini was filmed in 1960 and it is one of the most famous movies in the history of Cinema.
It entails the Dolce Vita, the Sweet life, a real lifestyle in Rome at the end of the 1950s who’s main character is a young, handsome Marcello Mastroianni. One of the most iconic performances in the film is when the beautiful actress Anita Ekberg in the middle of the night, invites Marcello into the Trevi Fountain, where she dived in fully dressed, in a black cocktail dress and golden hair swaying on her shoulders.
“Marcello, come here. Hurry up!” is how she would invite him in the fountain to take a swim with her, in that movie. A fun fact: this part of the movie was filmed between February and March. Marcello Mastroianni was extremely sensitive to cold, and the water in the Trevi Fountain was freezing. He was resistant to go on with this particular scene, and took some convincing by handing him a wetsuit, to wear under his clothes. But Anita Ekberg, a Swedish actress, who was clearly used to cold temperatures, stood in the freezing cold waters of the Trevi fountain for a really long time, without complaining.
As master Fellini later revealed in an interview for an Italian Newspaper: “When we were filming the scene at night, there were people everywhere, on the balconies, on the roofs surrounding the Trevi Fountain. Half of Rome was there that night, in the freezing cold weather, just for that scene… To convince Marcello to get in the water we had to dress him up as a scuba diver. But after some time in the water, he couldn’t resist any longer. So he powered through, by drinking an entire a bottle of vodka, to keep him warm. Little did we know, during that entire scene in the movie, Marcello Mastroianni was completely drunk!”
Other curiosities about Trevi Fountain: The stories behind the Ace of Cups
Adjacent to the Fountain, you can find a sculpture, that Romans call The Ace of Cups. One of the many fun, interesting and mysterious things involving the sculptures in Rome. But why is it so relevant?
It seems that during the early years of restorations, there was an old barber shop, right next to the Trevi Fountain, on the square. And the barber could not stop complaining about it. Let’s just say that he did not approve of its entire design… So one of the Fountain’s Architects, a certain Mr. Salvi, had a sculpture made and placed it in front of his Barbershop, to obstruct the views of the Trevi Fountain.
The Ace of Cups is an affectionate name coined by the Romans in the neighborhood that knew about the story behind the statue. But it isn’t at all a Cup per se: in fact, that the sculpture is of one of the containers that Barbers used to store their instruments in, at the time.
After the sculpture was erected, peace was restored, and the Trevi Fountain continued to take form into the brilliant, beautiful work of art we all know and love today.
Was it the Architect’s courtesy? Or was it a satire aimed at the poor grouchy barber? Who knows. The matter of fact is that Roman masterpieces are to be found in the most unexpected places and the meaning behind some of them is mind boggling for sure.
There are so many curiosities surrounding the Fountain. Like have you noticed that there aren’t birds anywhere near the pools and waterfalls? Rome is notoriously infested with pigeons and Seagulls. So why is it that we never see one land on top of Neptune? It’s quite simple really: The entire fountain and its figures are electrified! Small shocks, harmless really. Just to scare the birds away, to preserve the Trevi Fountains hygiene and beauty.
As you can see The Trevi Fountain is more than a monumental stop a tourist has to make when in Rome. There are many curiosities and facts behind its entire history, that make for a beautiful guided experience.
you may be interested:
We will pick you up at your hotel or restaurant, for this Private Rome By Night Tour. You can feel the charming atmosphere of this romantic city among the monuments, over the Capitol Hill, Roman Forum, Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo, the unmissable Trevi Fountain and the Vatican City for the breathtaking view of St. Peter’s Basilica illuminated. Then, you will continue onto the Gianicolo Hill for an unforgettable view over the monumental, ancient Rome on the other bank of the Tiber River. From here, you can admire Piazza Navona, a fashionable and crowded meeting point for Romans, or decide to stroll around and explore Testaccio District, the best place in the city to eat a very good pizza and have a traditional glass of Italian wine. Get inspired, by the magic of the Eternal City. In the cobble stone streets, you can only hear the water simmering from the fountains in every hidden corner of every alley.
price from €56.50
An all-inclusive Ancient experience in the Heart of Rome Are you interested in the core Ancient Roman Empire History? Do you want an up-close experience of the mighty Colosseum and other archeological wonders of the Eternal city? This private tour is just what you need. Discover the Roman Empire! Your personal tour driver will welcome you in Civitavecchia Port, holding a sign with your name, directly at the dock of your cruise ship! Traveling the ancient roads to the City center, you will arrive in the Heart of Rome to meet your guide, at "Parco Archeologico del Colosseo" the Colosseum's Archeological Park: Il Colosseo, the pillar of Rome, learn all there is to know about the Colosseum Palatino, one of the legendary 7 hills of Rome Foro Romano, the square where the community would gather to conduct their affairs Get ready for an interactive experience in this Archeological wonder! *Upon request, we can arrange one of our expert guides inside the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Select your option for a private guided tour of the Colosseum, directly during the booking process! For the best experience EVER, This tour of the Roman Empire, can be conducted by one of our passionate guides, for a private guided tour of the Colosseum's archeological park. The unimaginable wonders you will learn will leave you speechless. A perfect mix of history, fun facts and down to earth explanations, to share with you some interesting details on what makes this place so unique. Many youngsters have often asked, is it really that old? Is the Colosseum a reproduction of what once was? No my friends, the Colosseum that we all know and love is the real deal, in the flesh. Well, in stone. This Giant was created nearly 2000 years ago It was used for entertainment primarily. Although the sources of entertainment was quite different back then. In fact the Colosseum was built to host all sorts of games, from hunting scenes to Naval battles and the infamous Gladiator fights. Next on the Ancient Rome Tour, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where Roman Civilization truly began You will walk through the ancient ruins of temples, markets and churches of the Roman Forum. Here is where the Ancient Romans conducted their affairs, business, religious, and political. It hosted several Governmental buildings and a great Market Place. A place to gather the people, to shop, to discuss politics, to worship pagan Gods and sometimes protest. Anything relevant that happened in the City Center, would happen here. There are several other places in Rome from the Imperialistic period and more recent, you don't want to miss Such as the Arch of Constantine and Capitoline Hill, the head of Rome's Politics today. Hosting the mayor's office and one of the most fascinating Museums on Roman History, i Musei Capitolini. The square of Capitoline Hill was designed by Michelangelo himself! Next on the list would be Pantheon. But why not grab a bite to eat first? After your morning tour, your driver will be happy to recommend one of the best, typical Roman restaurants or “Trattorias” in the area. Then off to the Pantheon. One of the most beautiful buildings of Ancient Rome. Built to worship "All the Gods", it was converted to church in the Catholic era, becoming one of the most beautiful active Basilicas in the World! And resting place to some of the most famous and important figures through time, like Italy's King and Queen consort and the famous artist Raphael. Last but not least, you will drive to the ancient Appian Way where you will have the chance to stop and visit one of the famous Catacombs located in the area. You will have the opportunity of visiting Rome literally on every level. These catacombs are so fascinating, you will really find their story are intriguing, In some areas of Underground Rome, you will find miles-long tunnels in Catacombs that are even 4 stories-deep. After such an exciting experience in the depths of Rome, you will return to Civitavecchia Port, feeling grateful for booking this private tour with us!
price from €112.50
When Docking into Civitavecchia Port, you want to make sure to experience your time in Rome and Vatican the best way! That's why we are here. To offer you the best possible experience of Rome and The Vatican in a day. Start off with one of our private tour drivers to greet you, directly at the dock of your cruise ship in Civitavecchia Port. After a brief introduction, you'll tour will start. Arrive in Rome to find hundreds of different sceneried in one setting, a mix of Ancient architectures, Nature and Modern infrastructure. All perfectly coexisting. Welcome to Rome on a private tour of Rome and Vatican! First off, Piazza Venezia to admire The Monument of the first Italian king. Furthermore, there’s Mussolini’s balcony, the Capitoline Hill (one of Rome’s seven legendary hills) and the Roman Forum. Make sure not to miss the Colosseum! After that, you’ll head to the Pantheòn, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and enjoy the outstanding view of Rome from the Pincio Terrace, and Piazza Navona. After so many fantastic things you've already seen this morning, you'll have to "carb up" for the best part of your tour! The Vatican Museums Your private tour driver will take you at the entrance, that unmissable doorway, surmounted by high walls and a distinctive plaque that says " Musei Vaticani" he will give you all the instructions on how to enjoy your time in the Museums completely along with the Sistine Chapel. *Upon request, we can arrange one of our expert guides inside the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: Having one of our qualified guides would offer you an immersive opportunity, to learn absolutely everything there is to know about this incredible place: From peculiar traditions to art, history and literature, along with granting you direct access to Saint Peter's Basilica. Since the only known public entrance to Saint Peter's would be from all the way outside in the Square (for which the lines are usually very long) our guides have permission to enter the Basilica directly from inside the Vatican, after you've visited the Sistine Chapel! Visiting the Basilica other than with the guide would not be possible. Since it's entrance is free, it is usually very crowded, lines are very long not leaving enough time for you to visit it, if without a guide Since we have top level experts, the costs are appropriate to the quality of service. In case you are considering one of our private guides to take an exclusive tour of the Vatican, you can select its service during the booking process to add it to the cost for the tour. However, if you are more incline to visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, without the Basilica as a priority, we definitely recommend visiting the Vatican on your own. At your own pace, to fully appreciate everything you'll see, without having to stick to a prearranged itinerary. You could also consider Audio-guides, with amazing explanations and virtual itineraries to choose from. For a personalized tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. At a lighter rate, given the extra costs. We will be happy to arrange skip the line tickets, with privileged entrance of course, (bookable as extras) for you to explore the Vatican's freely on your own. This way you can enjoy visiting each chamber, admiring beautiful artifacts, statues, paintings and frescoes in any of the Museums inside the Vatican you'd like to see, entirely at your own pace! Audio-guide tickets, to download directly on your phone, for an interactive tour of the Museums and Sistine Chapel, still at your own pace. Spending your time in awe and your nose in the air! The most incredible beauty awaits! Visiting the Vatican Museums on your own, will allow you to visit the different wings , like Raphael's Rooms, Cortile Della Pigna, Belvedere, Gallery of Candelabra, the Gallery of Tapestries or the Gallery of Maps. And the Sistine Chapel. Since the Basilica of Sain't Peter's has free access, they've devoted it's entrance directly from Saint Peter's Square, so there isn't a way to enter the Basilica from inside the Museums. Just know that depending on the number of visits in a day, some wings might be closed. But this won't matter at all, we can assure you, there is just so much to see, you'll hardly even notice! Last but not least, on this Rome and Vatican tour, the magnificent Sistine Chapel! This incredible masterpiece, Michelangelo's heritage. We don't want to say too much about it, because we don't want to spoil the surprise. Just know that you will have some time, inside this chapel, to take a moment. To reflect on the overwhelming beauty. Take a seat in one of the chairs placed at it's sides, or stand in the middle and look up, to study the different details of the scenes and stories that have inspired the artist. Then you'll head to the exit, walking along the famous spiral stairwell. Still in awe, after the incredible experience. You'll reunite with your tour driver at the exit and then head back to Civitavecchia Port, to board your ship in perfect time.
price from €112.50
Private Rome Highlights. The title says it all! If you are not big on long day tours, this just might be the perfect solution for you. A nice, 7 hour private Rome Highlights tour from pick up to drop off, to visit the absolute best sights in Rome. Highlights of Rome is the perfect combination of convenience, time and comfort. Your personal tour driver will welcome you with open arms (with a sign with your name, between them) directly at the dock of your cruise ship! All of our tour drivers in Rome have special permission to access the restricted docking areas of Civitavecchia Port After a quick introduction, a nice chat to learn more about your day, you will arrive in Rome. The Eternal City. Of course, we are famous for being flexible and for offering tailored options, to satisfy every possible need. But just, for a review on what a Highlights of Rome tour would entail, here is all the details. Driving on cobblestone streets, surrounded by centenary pine trees, you'll be transported in different period in times, just by looking out the window from your passenger's seat. Bypassing some Archeological sites as the Piramide of Caio Cestio, embedded in the surrounding atmosphere of the Aurelian walls and the entrance of the neighborhood of Aventino, one of the most characteristic neighborhoods of Rome. A Pyramid from the Roman Ages, standing on the exact spot where the primary ancient Roman roads intersect. Driving along Viale Aventino you'll find the famous Circus Maximus to your right The famous Ancient Roman stadium hosted so many competitions that it's purpose, perfectly suits the name. A circus, of ancient times, traditions and glorious stories. Just behind the Circus Maximus, still visible are the ruins of the Palatine Hill. Another historical Landmark in Rome. Behind Palatine Hill stands tall the Colossus, the one and only Colosseum,. While you enjoy your tour drivers anecdotes and details, as you approach the Colosseum you can step out to take pictures! If you'd like to visit it on the inside, your tour driver will be happy to wait for you by the vehicle. And you can find options to book skip the line tickets during the booking process, just in case. The drive around continues Next off the list is Capitoline Hill, where the Town Hall and Mayors office is. Capitoline Hill may just be the symbol of Rome, aside from the Colosseum, since it's where the politics and well-being of the city are discussed. Passing by Piazza Venezia, you will find Italy's last King's Memorial. As many Italian landmarks, it is quite hard to miss, not just because of it's enormous sizes. Driving toward the city center, take a detour, to the Amazing Pantheòn, hidden in the Piazza della Rotonda, surrounded by tall buildings in tiny cobble streets. Then off to the Trevi Fountain. You can't say you've seen Rome, if you haven't made a quick stop to see this gigantic fountain. More importantly, if you haven't tossed the coin into it. Since you are already in one of the most gorgeous areas of the City, we highly recommend stopping in Campo de Fiori, or Trastevere, two ancient neighborhoods, filled with so much beauty and history. But more importantly, filled with amazing places to eat! Enjoy a traditional Roman meal in one of the squares of the neighborhoods. Sip on a glass of red wine and take it all in. Your highlights of Rome will continue with one, very special, final stop. Saint Peter’s Basilica! One of the Holiest places on Earth! Admire its High Renaissance and baroque architecture. With its greatness of art and golden details, marble and mosaics, the atmosphere is overwhelming. Be sure not to miss Michelangelo’s Pieta, completed when the master was only in his 20s. Just when you think you've seen it all, heading back to your cruise ship, you will drive through some of the most enchanted, picturesque scenery in Italy.
price from €100.00
Welcome in Rome! There is really no better way to start a Roman vacation than with this private tour. One of our personal tour driver will welcome you at your hotel or any other place of your convenience in Rome, to whisk you away, on a 7 hour trip through history, art, archeology and the basic Rome way of living that is just a delight and so interesting to experience. This Tour of Rome will start off with a stop in the famous Piazza Venezia a famous circular square constantly beaten by hundreds of cars and vespas and motorini (what we call mopeds and bikes). While horns are blaring in the traffic, passerby's always in a hurry and the famous Italian charm for hand gestures and raised voices the main constant, all you will notice is the monumental structure overlooking the Piazza. A monument dedicated to Italy's last king Victor Emanuel the Second, and resting place of the Unknown soldier. A fallen soldier from WW1 that is laid to rest there to honor and tribute every Italian soldier who's fought and fallen in every war old or recent. You can notice An imposing horseman in a giant bronze statue, overlooking the entire city center, to magnify the importance of the Italian Kingdom in its glory days. And just above is a building, temple-like in structure, with white marble steps and columns, placed on top of one of Rome's legendary hills. Italian flags hanging on it's ends. This monument is really hard to miss. Fun fact: The monument of Victor Emmanuel, officially called Altare della Patria (the Altar of the Nation) is also known simply as the wedding cake. For it's distinctive shape, built in white, marble layers, one floor after the other. Resembling a big white wedding sheet cake. This altar shares its space with Capitoline Hill, Capitol Hill or simply known as Campidoglio. It is one of Rome's 7 hills placed in between Campus Martius and the Roman Forum, and it is head of the Roman Government, With an incredible square commissioned by Pope Paul the third and created by Michelangelo himself in the 16th century. But Capitol Hill does not only hosts Rome's City hall, the Mayor's office and the Capitolini Museums (which offers a vast amount of marble artifacts, artwork and other curiosities from Roman times) but it offers AMAZING VIEWS of the city below, on one end of the hill is Piazza Venezia, Campus Martius and modernization, on the other the Ancient citadel of the Roman Forum. A perfect balance between present and the past. Speaking of Roman Forum, you absolutely go across Via dei Fori Imperiali, an ancient way in Rome that crosses this part of town, with the Forum's archeological site on both sides. Envision Temples, Market places, Marble buildings and life conducted in these squares centuries ago. This is where Roman Senate would reunite, where citizens would gather to worship archaic divinities and conduct their business. To keep the Ancient Roman theme alive, walking straight through the ancient Roman Forum you will arrive at the Colosseum The one and only Colosseum, the Flavian Amphitheater An ancient, imposing structure built to delight and entertain the people of Rome, in the prime of its years. With gory, cruel hunts and gladiator fights but also fun scenes of Naval battles, where they would fill the Arena with water and float around in ships. A colossal building in the heart of Rome, to gather the people, to bring people together. We absolutely recommend a stop here. But Rome is full of wonderful things to see, in a fun, intuitive and entertaining way. With squares, steps and fountains and churches. Take Piazza Navona for example The most extravagant of Rome’s Square, adorned with the fountain of The Four Rivers by Bernini, and the church of his rival, Borromini. Visit Piazza Della Rotonda, where you can see the Pantheon, the best preserved and enchanting monument of ancient times. The Spanish Steps A wonderful square, world famous for the beautiful stair case that comes down from Trinità dei Monti with beautiful views of Via dei Condotti, intersecting with via del Corso. The most "In" streets for shopping, with great boutiques and haute couture. Walking along the narrow streets you can find other curiosities such as the mighty Pantheon on Piazza della Rotonda, the once temple dedicate to All the Gods, the Ancient Roman building is now an active Catholic church. Then, of course there is the Trevi Fountain, a little further down the streets. Make sure to take tons of pictures of this magnificent fountain that attracts so many people from all over the world, in that small square. This private tour is a whirlwind of emotions! You'll be catapulted into the Middle Ages, Ancient Roman Times, then to Renaissance times, and back to Roman times. With a stop to grab a quick bite to eat, if you like. Your tour driver will know the perfect place. In fact, near the end of the tour, you will have to make another mandatory stop at the Aventine Hill, another majestic hill, hosting picture perfect views of the Eternal City. Then head to the Circus Maximus, where chariot races were performed in imperial Rome, as we can see in one of the classic American movies, Ben Hur. At the end of the tour, your tour driver will take you wherever you like to be dropped off at, hotel or other. This itinerary can be tailored and can change, so it's not a strict preview. All this is just to give you a taste of all the wonderful places you could see during your time out on the streets of Rome. *Upon request, the icing on the cake would be to reserve one of our professional guides: if you want to enrich your activity, we highly recommend selecting the service of one of our expertise guides for the day!
price from €100.00
+39 06.999.77.65
+39 339.159.25.40
info@discoveryguidedtours.com
2 hours
