The Trevi fountain tells a story
The Trevi Fountain is one of the top attractions in Rome and one of the most famous fountains in the world. Like all great pieces of art, it tells a story.
In the centre of the fountain is a statue of Oceanus, standing under a triumphal arch.
His chariot is being pulled by two horses of the sea, one wild and one docile, representing the opposing moods of the sea. Left of the arch is the statue of Abundance.
The statue of Health stands right of the arch.
The four statues at the top symbolize: Abundance of Fruits- holding a horn of plenty, Fertility of Crops- holding ears of wheat, Products of Autumn- holding a cup and bunches of grapes, Joy of Prairie and Gardens- adorned with flowers.
Daily thousands of visitors make their way to the Fontana di Trevi.
When the fountain is open roughly €3,000 is thrown into it every day as people follow the tradition of throwing coins over their shoulders.
The legend holds that a coin thrown into the fountain will ensure a return to Rome.
This tradition also dates back to the ancient Romans who often threw coins in water to make the gods of water favor their journey or help them get back home safely.
(Throw in a second coin if you’re seeking love – even a third for wedding bells!) What many don’t know is that the coins are collected every night and given to an Italian charity called Caritas.
Caritas, in turn, uses the money for a supermarket program giving rechargeable cards to Rome’s in need to help them get groceries.
Perhaps for just that reason, it’s illegal to fish out coins from the fountain.
