Thing To Do While in Rome: The Trevi Fountain

"Marcello, come here, hurry up!" Anita Ekberg as Sylivia in La Dolce Vita

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most magical spots in Rome, and after going through seventeen months of renovations it reopened to the public last month.  A stop at the fountain is a must for any visitor.  The legend says that if you throw a coin into the fountain, you will come back to Rome, and who doesn't want to be back!  I threw more than one coin and I hope to be back soon.

The streets that lead you to the fountain are typical narrow cobble-stone alleys and when you turn the corner and the area opens up to this wonderful fountain you do need a a few seconds to contemplate it and take it all in.  

The fountain is a iconic symbol of the city.  It represents the taming of the waters by Oceanus, the  god of the seas.  It beautifies the facade of a historic building and is so large in size that overpowers the small square that hosts it.  This fantastic fountain was featured in Fellini's film La Dolce Vita.  In the film, a beautiful and voluptuous Anita Edberg, wondering the streets of Rome late at night, stumbles upon the fountain, and gets in it calling her love interest, a very handsome Marcello Mastroianni, who eventually gives up and joins her.  If you have not seen the movie, check out the scene here.

The fountain dates back to 1762 and it is fed by one of the oldest aqueducts of the city of Rome.  It is a busy tourist spot but if you get there early in the morning you might just have it all to yourself.  Of course the fountain becomes even more beautiful at night, and now, after the renovation, night-time illumination has improved tremendously.  

If you happen to be visiting the fountain close to dinner time, eat at trattoria Al Moro (Vicolo delle Bollette 13, Phone 06.67.83.495).  Is always better to make reservations.  They are known for their typical Roman cuisine, and everything I tried there was wonderful.  (If you want to learn more about what dishes to order when in Rome read this)

I hope you get to visit this wonderful piece of history and don't forget to throw your coin to ensure your return to Rome!!

Arrivederci for now,