This fountain is built on the back of a Renaissance palace, with water tumbling over rocks with various statues into a pool. It was started in 1732 to the design of Niccola Salvi but took several decades to complete the work. The central figure is Neptune in his chariot with a Triumph arch symbolising the taming of water. Above are bas-reliefs depicting the origins of the aqueduct - the Romans had a tradition of building fountains at the end of aqueducts - and close to this was the terminus of the Acqua Vergine and its fountain it was badly damaged and was later restored in the 15th century and a new fountain was built. However, Pope Urban VIII wanted some more dramatic and had a fountain built on the current site which was later destroyed to built the current fountain.

Of course there is the tradition to throw a coin in the fountain to ensure your return to Rome. The money is cleared out regularly and used to help the poor in Rome. The fountain may be a stunning baroque example, but the crowds around it make it difficult to get a clear view of it. Its size makes it nearly impossible to get a photo of the entire fountain, but any photo fails to grasp the grandeur of it. Note also there are lots of people attempting to sell various items and if you stand still for a moment they will flock around you.

The narrow streets surrounding the fountain are full of small shops selling cheap tacky souvenirs, if you are looking for such items there is a good concentration of them here with reasonable prices. But the cafes and gelaterias close by are not exciting so hold off and walk a little further.

The Trevi fountain is the most famous and beautiful fountain in all the world, this impressive monument dominates the small Trevi square located in the Quirinale district. The Trevi is at the ending part of the agua virgo that is an aqueduct that brings water all the way from the salone springs and supplies the fountains in the historic center of Rome with water. The fountain as it is know was constructed in 1732, Pope Clement XII commissioned Nicola Salvi to create a large fountain in the small square. A previous undertaking to build the fountain after a design by Bernini was halted a century earlier after death of Pope Urban VIII. Nicola Salvi based his theatrical masterpiece on this design. The construction was finally completed in 1762.

The central figure of the fountain is Neptune, god of the sea. He is riding a chariot in the shape of a shell, pulled by two sea horses, each sea horses is guided by a Triton. One of the horse is calm and obedient, the other one restive. They symbolize the fluctuating moods of the sea.

The water at the bottom of the fountain represents the sea. Legend has you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the water, you should toss it over your shoulder with your back to the fountain. To be honest i haven't done it (about the coin) but I have spend three hours just looking at the Trevi fountain.

We took the metro to the Spagna station, checked out the Spanish Steps, then walked the couple blocks to the little intersection where the Trevi Fountain is. It's not a really large fountain and it's in a built-up part of the city, but it's still a pretty sight. There are plenty of signs around the central part of the city to steer you in the right direction.

This fountain was rarely visited before the movie Three Coins in a Fountain was made. Now it's Rome's most visited fountain. It's a beautiful spot to stop and rest for a while on the abundant concrete bench seating facing the fountain. There's even a drinking fountain there for refilling your water bottle. But it's not recommended that you drink from the Trevi fountain because of all the chemicals in it. And, yes, we threw a couple coins in the fountain to make sure that we'll be going back.

We, my husband and I, stepped from bus #52 near the Piazza del Popolo and quickly blended into the mass of tourists heading along Via del Corso toward the Fontana di Trevi. I’d heard the oft-told tale that if one tosses coins over their shoulder into Trevi fountain, they will one-day return. Therefore, I had set out on a mission to throw my coins. Our stay here in Rome was fast drawing to an end and I was determined to return.

Originally built by Agrippa in the first century, Trevi was reconstructed from 1732 to 1751 by the master crafter Nicolo Salvi for Pope Clement XII. The Fontana di Trevi stands 85 feet high and 65 feet wide, and is the largest fountain in Rome. Located at the rear of the Palace of the Dukes of Poli, the sea god ‘Oceanus’ is depicted standing among two horses (one wild and one tame), shells and tritons. Its waters swirl downward among the figures and artificial rocks and collect in the basin at the base of the fountain where hopeful tourists have tossed coins.

I stepped up to the fountain to take a photo and suddenly realized that THERE WAS NO WATER IN THE FOUNTAIN! There, in the basin was a work crew; four Italian men with dark curly hair picking up coins from the basin. Using the very best of my broken Italian, I turned to a nearby workmen and asked," Why is there was no water?" He looked at me for a moment and answered, "But, how did you think we got the coins out?" It took me a minute, but then we both laughed. He said, "Take a photo sensa aqua (without water) - your photo will be unique."

And so, here is my photo of Trevi Fountain -- sensa aqua. He was right, I‘ve never seen another photo like it! Later that day, when my husband and I returned, the waters once again flowed and I was able to toss my coins. That was my first trip to Rome in 1997 and I am happy to say that I have been fortunate enough to enjoy four return visits. Before you say "arevaderchi a Roma" be sure to toss three Coins into Trevi Fountain!