Mo's word for Manic Monday is FOUNTAIN.
The Fontana di Trevi or Trevi Fountain is the most famous and arguably the most beautiful fountain in all of Rome. This impressive monument dominates the small Trevi square located in the Quirinale district.
Aqua Virgo
Construction of the Fountain
In 1732, Pope Clement XII commissioned Nicola Salvi to create a large fountain at the Trevi Square. A previous undertaking to build the fountain after a design by Bernini was halted a century earlier after the death of Pope Urban VIII. Salvi based his theatrical
masterpiece on this design. Construction of the monumental baroque fountain was finally completed in 1762.
The restive sea horse
The Fountain
The central figure of the fountain, in front of a large niche, is Neptune, god of the sea. He is riding a chariot in the shape of a shell, pulled by two sea horses. Each sea horse is guided by a Triton. One of the horses is calm and obedient, the other one restive. They symbolize the fluctuating moods of the sea.
On the left hand side of Neptune is a statue representing Abundance, the statue
on the right represents Salubrity. Above the sculptures are bas-reliefs, one of them shows Agrippa, the girl after whom the aqueduct was named.
On the left hand side of Neptune is a statue representing Abundance, the statue
The crowded square
Tossing a Coin
The water at the bottom of the fountain represents the sea. Legend has it 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.
What does the Trevi look like from above? Click here
Go on over to Mo's to see other participants.
4 comments:
Maybe mine isn't as grand but it has an interesting history.
http://rinklyrimes.blogspot.com/2009/07/twin-fountains.html
Fountains are one of my favorite things to see. Great photos :) Happy MM
Very cool! I knew a little of that history but not all of it. And I like the overhead view.
And may I also add that I love the background you've got on your blog.
Ah we both did Trevi. Yours is much better as I was rushing.
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