Legend has it that anyone who throws a coin into the Trevi Fountain will end up returning to Rome. I do not doubt the myth, however if you manage to return to the capital of Italy and back to the source, it is better to do it very late at night because during the day the spectacle of mass tourism is muggy.
The ‘Trevi Fountain’ receives almost as many visits as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and it is just a tiny space in the old Roman city where tens of thousands of tourists flock every day in search of the images mythologized in the cinema. Add to the crowd a pack of statue artists and beggars, street vendors selling Romano-Chinese souvenirs and pickpockets on the prowl. The lack of attention from the local authorities is transforming the mythical Trevi Fountain into another victim of disorderly and unbridled tourism.
If you want to breathe again the romantic atmosphere of the film ‘La Dolce Vita’ by Federico Fellini, filmed in 1960, other times, it is best to reserve the visit to the Trevi Fountain for the last hour of the night, after dinner and the cups. Only then can you have space to walk in the footsteps of Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg in the film.
Legend of the ‘Trevi Fountain’
According to the Romans, a miracle of the Virgin Mary discovered a spring of pure water very close to Rome in the year 19 BC. This spring gave rise to the construction of an aqueduct at the end of which, as was customary at the time, a source, the primitive Trevi Fountain.
Throughout history, there have been some modifications to the original design of the fountain that became the Trevi Fountain, the largest of the Baroque fountains in Rome, presenting elements that recall its Roman origins, and undoubtedly becoming the best known and magical fountain in the world.
It is impressive and unforgettable to walk through the narrow streets and be surprised by the beautiful image of the Trevi Fountain.
Guide to throwing the coin in the ‘Trevi Fountain’
Before traveling to Rome, save a special coin. Once in the ‘Trevi Fountain’, with his back to the monument, he throws the coin with his right hand and over his left shoulder. If you do it respecting all the ritual, you will return to the Italian capital. If the wish is not fulfilled, you have not thrown your coin in vain. Coins are collected every day and donated to charity.
A visit to the Trevi Fountain is a must on a trip to Rome, but again I recommend that it be done very late at night when you can find more space to take a photo, sit down to savor an ice cream, and who knows to relive ‘La Dolce Vita’.