Printer-friendly versionThe Fame & Fortune of the Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain was built in the 18th century at the request of Pope Urban VIII. Prior to his commission, it was the site of the Roman Empire's Aqua Virgo aqueduct terminal.
A popular legend promises those who toss a coin into the fountain a return trip to Rome. The proper technique is to turn your back to the fountain and toss the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder.
Another tradition holds that if you toss two coins into the fountain, you will bring marriage. If you toss three coins, you will divorce.
Rome’s most famous fountain has appeared in many movies from the iconic ‘Roman Holiday’ with Audrey Hepburn, Fellini’s ‘La Dolce Vita' with the famous Trevi Fountain bathing scene and the tradition of throwing coins into the Trevi was the basis for an entire book and movie, ‘Three Coins in the Fountain’.
The Trevi Fountain collects approximately 3,000 Euros in coins each day! This money is used to fund different charities, including a food bank and the Italian Red Cross.
