Trevi Fountain

Piazza di Trevi Roma Roma

Trevi—From Pope Nicholas V to Clement XII, Where Every Drop Has a Story

The Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, stands as a Baroque masterpiece with deep ties to both the papacy and ancient Roman engineering. Located near the Quirinal Palace, once a papal residence, the fountain’s water flows from the Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct originally commissioned by Marcus Agrippa in 19 BC to provide fresh drinking water to the city. After falling into disrepair following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the aqueduct was restored by Pope Nicholas V, ensuring its continued use.

In the 18th century, Pope Clement XII commissioned the construction of the Trevi Fountain, bringing to life an elaborate scene of Neptune, the god of the sea, commanding the waters while tritons and sea horses emerge in dramatic motion.

A beloved tradition invites visitors to toss a coin over their left shoulder, hoping for a return to Rome. The coins collected from the fountain are used to assist the poor and needy of the city, making the Trevi Fountain not only a symbol of beauty and legend but also an enduring source of charity and goodwill.

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Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We gather in Your presence, contemplating the rich symbolism of the Trevi Fountain. As the Aqua Virgo brought life-giving water to ancient Rome, we remember the sanctifying waters of Baptism that cleanse us from sin and make us members of Your Holy Church.

Lord, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, may we be reminded of the grace that flows from Your sacraments. Let the waters of the fountain serve as a reminder of the spiritual refreshment we receive through the Eucharist, the true source of life and strength.

Inspired by the tradition of giving, may the coins cast into the fountain stir within us a desire to practice charity, mirroring the love of Christ who gave Himself for us. May we always be mindful of the needs of the poor, following the example of Saint Francis and the many saints who lived lives of service.

Guide us, Lord, as we journey towards You, longing to be ever closer to Your Sacred Heart. May the beauty of our faith, like the fountain, draw others to You, the font of everlasting life.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Recommended Nearby:

Church of Santa Maria dell'Archetto

In the heart of Rione Trevi lies the charming neo-Renaissance sanctuary of Madonna dell’Archetto, Rome's smallest worship space. Built in 1851 by architect Virginio Vespignani, this intimate chapel marks the site where a miraculous painting of the Virgin Mary, commissioned in 1690 by Marquise Alessandra Mellini Muti Papazzurri, was said to have moved its eyes in 1796.

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Rome - Trevi Fountain and Best of the Neighborhood - Self Guided Tour

Trevi is one of 23 Rioni in Rome and takes its name after the Latin word Trivium, meaning "Three Streets". During the time of ancient Rome, the zone was known for its monumental buildings and private palaces. When Napolean occupied Rome in the early 19th Century, Quirinal Hill in this neighborhood became the center of power in the city.

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