History of the Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is a fabulous work of art that is so much more than a mere sculpture. This Baroque art with it's natural lines is a jewel of water and stone that is placed between the palaces of the historic centre of the city. This sculpture creates a representation symbolic of a force of nature, with its spring flowing out of the ground. The main feature of the monument is a chariot in the shape of a shell, drawn by seahorses with Triton as their guide. Located in the center as well is Oceanus, and to the side are the statues of Salubrity and Abundance. Forms of vegetation and rocks are located along the foundation, which represent the sea. This statue was the terminal point of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, which was used to provide water to the thermal baths. These "Virgin Waters" as the name represents, refers to a legend of a young Roman girl who provided water to thirsty soldiers from the spring. It was not until the eighteenth century that the Trevi Fountain was restored and completed for twenty years by Bernini and Nicola Salvi that the statue we know today was completed.