This article published on Xanga's Featured Weblog Frontpage on 26102009 LINK

This article published on Tripcrazed's frontpage on 29102009 LINK

The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)! Known as the most famous fountain in Rome! It's the largest standing and most ambitious of the Baroque fountains of Rome. A visitor come to Rome without witnessing this magnificent master piece can't assume been to Rome before. Fontana di Travi measuring 25.9 meters (85 feet) high and 19.8 meters (65 feet) wide. There is no place on earth like this. The fountain is at the juncture of three roads (tre vie)^. It marks the terminal point of the "modern" Acqua Vergine. One ancient aqueduct has been supplying fresh water to Rome bringing water all the way from the Salone Springs, which is situated over 22 km (14 miles) away. This aqueduct (Aqua Virgo)also fed water into the Baths of Agrippa.

When I was on the way to the fountain, I saw people start to pick up the pace as they make their way though the narrow streets surrounding the Piazza to reach this amazing fountain. Even from some distance away, I can hear the gushing water from some distance away. When I entered the small piazza the noise of cascading water gets much louder. It sounded even denser and the noises louder when I almost reached the crowds. The romantic feeling that came over the Piazza then made it a great place for Lexson and I to stop. I believed crowds in the Piazza are common, since everyone wants a picture of the fountain at almost all hours of the day. It was seriously difficult to get a shot without the unwanted third party inside the picture.

The fountain was built by the architect Salvi (1735) in the time of Clement XII, and decorated by several artists of Bernini's school. It is the front part of Palazzo dei Duchi di Polis. The Fontana di Travi, immortalised in Fellini’s film, La Dolce Vita, is dominated by the imposing figure of Neptune riding in his shell shaped chariot pulled by two sea horses. The two female deities beside the Neptune each represents weatlh and health. The center part is a modeled replica of the triumphal arch. The center niche has free-standing columns for maximal light-and-shade. On the outside Oceanus, water comes out from her urn and Salubrity holds a cup from which a snake drinks out from. On the top is a copy of the Roman origin of the aqueducts. The tritons and horses provide symmetrical balance, with the maximum contrast with their facial expressions and poses. "Taming of the waters" is the theme of the gigantic structure that jumps forward, mixing water and rockwork  filling the small square. And, it served Rome for more than four hundred years. It is completely astoundingly sacred yet utterly stunningly breathtaking for me.

The mystery legend of "Coin Throwing": A traditional legend says that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are sure to return to Rome. For those who are not familiar with the tossing of the "three coins", here I attached a little introduction. The current version is you throw two coins, (1) to guarantee that return trip to the Eternal City (2) it will lead to a new romance and (3) will ensure either a marriage or divorce! Legend says that this act brings good luck.

Tip to do the ritual the right way: (1) Toss a coin with your right hand (2) cross it over your left shoulder (3) with your back to the fountain (4) make your wish (5) throw it into the Travi Fountain. According to the local tour guide, survey done and statistically showed that "Top 3 wishes that make by Italians" are: (1) a lovely romance/ life partner (2) become rich (3) a legal divorce of marriage - The local tour guide explained due to their religion, it is not easy to dissolve a marriage.

Is it works? Lexson was here two years back. He made a wish. He wished that I will become his wife one day. Rome is part of our honey moon trip. And, we were right in front of her after two years. Mystery or coincident? 

Approximately 3,000 Euros are thrown into the fountain each day and are collected at night. The fountain grosses almost EUR 120,000 a year, most of it donated to charity. For example, the money has been used to sponsor a supermarket for Rome's needy people. The fountain was refurbished in 1998; the stonework was scrubbed and the fountain provided with re-circulating pumps. However, there are regular attempts to steal coins from the fountain, including some using a magnetized pole. The police guard the fountain 24 hours a day to keep out movie buffs, lovebirds alike, and transgressors risk a fine of up to EUR 500.

I saw these cute locks right in front of The Trevi Fountain. They was attached to certain locks with names written on the locks. I not too sure of what it means. But, my six sense told me, they are the names for couples or family members to attach together in order to wish for eternity in relationship, etc.

So, what would you wish if you are now at The Trevi Fountain?