La Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain) is a baroque 18th century fountain in Rome made out of Travertine and Carrara marble. The name is derived from tre via, or three roads, for the three roads used to come together at the site of the fountain. The fountain stands as one of Rome's most iconic structures, and was a long time in the making.
The Trevi Fountain was initially designed by Bernini for Pope Clemens XII and then redesigned fifty years later by Italian architect Nicola Salvi. This baroque fountain, built against the back of the Palazzo Poli building, was eventually finished by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762, and in total took thirty years of building.
In the centre of the fountain stands a statue of Neptune, the nautical god. He is shown being pulled out to sea on his shell-shaped chariot by two winged horses and tritons. One of the horses is calm and obedient, the other is lively and boisterous. They symbolise the changing tides of the sea. The two statues next to Neptune represent Abundance and Health.
According to legend, tossing one coin into the Trevi Fountain means you'll return to Rome, tossing two coins means you'll return and fall in love, and tossing three coins means you'll return, find love, and marry.
Now close your eyes, use your right hand, and throw your coin into the water over your left shoulder.
