After nearly 2 years under scaffolding the Trevi Fountain is finally open and the water is running once more. Italian design house Fendi provided €2 million for the restoration.
I have watched the scaffolding and the workmen over the past 2 years and the disappointed faces of the visitors as they arrive to see the fountain covered up. The restorers have tried to accommodate tourists. At one time there was a platform built across the fountain and very close to the sculptures, which was great.
When I went past in early October there was a glass screen in front of the fountain. Heavy rain obstructed the view that day.
I was in Rome 2 weeks ago and it was clear that the fountain was almost ready to be uncovered. The sculptures were sparkling clean and looking fabulous.
Here are a few photos I have taken over the years.
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most recognised fountains in the world. It is at the junction of 3 roads, which explains the name Tre Vie. It sits at the site of the end point of Acqua Virgine, one of the ancient aqueducts that supplied water to Rome. The same aqueduct supplies water to the fountains in Piazza Navona.
The Goths destroyed the original fountain on the site. A simple basin was installed in the 15th century. In 1629 Pope UrbanVII asked sculptor Bernini to design something better. The pope died before construction began and the plans were shelved.
Nicola Salvi was eventually commissioned to come up with a design and the present fountain was begun in 1732 and finished in 1792, with Bernini’s designs incorporated in the finished work. It is considered one of the most beautiful fountains in the world.
The fountain has been helped in its fame by several films, including Three Coins in the Fountain (1954), La Dolce Vita (1960) and Roman Holiday(1953).
The original legend of the coins says that if you throw a coin into the Trevi – with your back to the fountain, with your right hand over your left shoulder – you will be assured of a return to Rome.
€3,000 are collected every day from the fountain and the money helps to subsidise a supermarket for some of Rome’s less affluent residents and goes to the Red Cross and other charities.
The Spanish Steps were fenced off when I was in Rome. It was amazing to see them empty.
The lovely fountain at the base of the steps, La Barca, has been restored and is once again open to the public.
I look forward to returning to Rome to see the fountain looking brand new…that coin I threw over my shoulder back in 1973 must have worked. I have visited Rome many times.
La Dolce Vita, will we ever forget that scene in the Fellini movie with Anita Ekberg standing in her clinging wet clothes in the Trevi, with Marcello Mastroianni – uumm! Hot
“The sweet Life’ thats for sure. ,
By: Dianne CANT on November 5, 2015
at 9:00 pm
It was an interesting movie, and he was gorgeous.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 5, 2015
at 9:03 pm
I suppose a visitor to Rome will always find something closed for restoration!
By: Andrew Petcher on November 5, 2015
at 9:13 pm
Yes, I often find scaffolding on my visits to Rome. It is great that Italian companies are chipping in to help with renovations. It would be disappointing if it was your only trip to Rome and one of your long anticipated sites was covered up.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 5, 2015
at 9:17 pm
I remember Barcelona Cathedral covered in scaffolding but that is just an excuse to go back.
By: Andrew Petcher on November 5, 2015
at 9:25 pm
I am looking forward to seeing the restoration. It must be a superb sight.
By: Mulino Dominillo on November 5, 2015
at 9:44 pm
It was looking sparkling and gorgeous when I was there. The glass was still there, but I could see the work was nearly finished.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 6, 2015
at 3:21 am
This is amazing sculpture always fascinates me but especially during night with the lights. I am so glad to hear this dear Debra, Thank you, love, nia
By: niasunset on November 5, 2015
at 10:07 pm
I like to go early in the morning when you can have it almost to yourself.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 6, 2015
at 3:22 am
I can imagine dear Debra, so special. Have a nice day dear, love, nia
By: niasunset on November 6, 2015
at 5:52 am
Could I ever get tired of that view, Nope, I don’t think so. Just so lovely.
By: Lyn on November 5, 2015
at 11:06 pm
It is lovely. Sometimes the crowds are a bit much, but I can understand why it is popular.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 6, 2015
at 3:22 am
I’d never given a thought to the name of the fountain. Thanks for explaining it, Debra!
By: Yvonne on November 6, 2015
at 12:00 am
I always walk past the Trevi at least once when I am in Rome. I stay nearby and the fountain is always a delight.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 6, 2015
at 3:23 am
It’s a wonderful site that needs to be seen. I hope that those who were denied on their first visit get a chance to return.
By: aFrankAngle on November 6, 2015
at 1:02 am
It would be a pity if if it was your only visit to Rome to see scaffolding, but the work must be done.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 6, 2015
at 3:24 am
I was just in Rome last October and walked across the planks in front of the Trevi Fountain. It looks stunning now! Well worth the inconvenience:)
By: timelessitaly on November 6, 2015
at 4:09 am
I did the plank walk too. It was fun to be close to the sculptures.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 6, 2015
at 8:52 am
Good news indeed. 🙂
By: anotherday2paradise on November 6, 2015
at 2:39 pm
It is one of the places you need to visit on each trip to Rome. Just seeing the faces of people when they see it for this first time is such a pleasure…. everyone seems to enjoy the fountain and its surrounds.
By: Kerry & Jim on November 7, 2015
at 5:47 am