TREVI FOUNTAIN and other Rome, Italy Things to Do Tips

The Trevi fountain, inspired by Roman triumphal arches, is the largest and most famous Baroque fountain in Rome (standing 25.9 meters high and 19.8 meters wide).
In 1629, Pope Urban VIII, asked Bernini to sketch possible renovations of the fountain, finding it insufficiently theatrical. After the Pope's death the project was abandoned. Bernini's lasting contribution was to situate the fountain from the other side of the square to face the Quirinal Palace (so that the Pope could see and enjoy it).
The Trevi Fountain as we know it today, was designed by Nicola Salvi in 1732 and competed in 1762.
The central figures of the fountain are Neptun (God of the sea), flanked by two Tritons. One struggles to master a veru unruly "sea horse", the other lead a far more docile animal. These symbolize the two contrasting moods of the sea.

The site originally marked the terminal at the Aqua Virgo aqueduct built in 19 BC.
One of the firts-storey reliefs shows a young girl (the legendary virgin after whom the aqueduct was named) pointing to the spring from which the water flows.
Appropriately for a fountain resembling a stage set, the theatrical Trevi Fountain has been the star of many films shot in Rome, including romantic films such as "Three coins in a fountain" and "Roman holiday", but also "La dolce vita", Federico Fellini's satirical portrait of Rome in the 1950s.

Tradition has it a coin thrown into the water guarantees a visitor's return to Rome.

Leave a Comment

Directions: Trevi Fountain is situated in the Trevi square (piazza di Trevi), within walking distance from the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A church near the Trevi Fountain restored by Jules Cardinal Mazarin in 1650, Rome, Italy

Leave a Comment

A masterpiece of the XVIII century, the square, with its irregular shape, extends itself at the feet of Pincio hill; on top of it the French Church Trinita dei Monti (1502) is located.
The square and the church are connected by the monumental Spanish steps, built between 1723-1726 (designed by Francesco de Sanctis).
The Spanish steps, once a year in the summertime, host a famous fashion show, and they are used as a catwalk.

On the square we find the Barcaccia Fountain, built in 1598 by order of the Pope Urbano VIII to commemorate the disastrous flood caused by Tevere river the very same year.

The most glamorous Rome streets lead to Piazza di Spagna (via Condotti e via del Babuino).
The area around Piazza di Spagna is where to find the most prestigious boutiques such as Prada, Valentino, Gucci etc. It is an ideal starting point for your shopping in Rome

Leave a Comment

This beautiful piazza has been the destination of foreigners to Rome for centuries: most came as pilgrims and arrived in the north part of the city before finding lodgings. It was Pope Leo X who, from Piazza del Popolo (the first piazza inside the walls of Rome coming from the north), constructed the three roads leading south in the form of a trident across the Campo Marzio. The easternmost is Via del Babuino, Baboon Street(!), that leads directly to Piazza di Spagna.
At the bottom of the Spanish Steps is the Piazza di Spagna or Spanish square. The long, triangular square is named after the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See. In the 17th century, the area around the embassy was even considered Spanish territory.
The area around Piazza di Spagna is where to find the most prestigious boutiques such as Prada, Valentino, Gucci etc. It is an ideal starting point for your shopping in Rome.

Leave a Comment

Address: Piazza di Spagna

In the southeast part of the square is the Colonna dell'Immacolata (column of the Immaculate conception). It was erected in 1857 to commemorate the dogma of the immaculate conception. The column was found in 1777 under a monastery. It is now topped with a statue of Virgin Mary

Leave a Comment

This piazza is a marvel of light and sculpture. It is exceptionally long and owes its shape to the ruins that formed it, for under the buildings that surround Piazza Navona are the remains of the Circus Domitianus, Domitian's stadium -- a part of which can be seen if you leave the piazza by the north exit and turn left. The piazza marks the area for the races in the stadium. It features many fine old buildings, a beautiful church and three stunning fountains.When we were there there was heaps of construction and renovation in progress so we could not enjoy the area much.
Another highlight on the Navona square is the church of Sant'Agnese in Agone. It was commissioned in 1652 by Pope Innocent X and built on the site where according to legend, St. Agnes was stripped naked, but miraculously saved from disgrace by extraordinary growth of hair.

Leave a Comment

Directions: The Piazza Navona is situated in the historic center of Rome, west of the Pantheon. It is one of Rome's liveliest squares, with many outdoor cafes, restaurants and night clubs in the neighborhood.

Built more than 1800 years ago, the magnificent Pantheon building still stands as a reminder of the great Roman empire.
The building's dome, more than 43 meters high is most impressive. It was the largest dome in the world until 1436 when the Florence Cathedral was constructed.
At the top of the dome is a large opening, the oculus, which was the only source of light.
The front portico has three rows of 8 columns, each one with a diameter of 1.5m. A huge bronze door gives access to the cylindrical building. Its diameter equals the interior height of 43,3m.
It was hot day and I can assure you the water tap in front of the fountain serves really Ice cold water so feel safe and go for it if you are thirsty!

Leave a Comment

Originally a temple for all pagan gods, the temple was converted into a church in 609. The Pantheon contains the tombs of Raphael and of several Italian Kings. Its interior design contrast with the temple's structural design, but the marble floor still features the original Roman design.

Leave a Comment

The Roman Colosseum or Coliseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, was commisioned in AD 72 by Emperor Vespasian. It was completed by his son, Titus, in 80, with later improvements by Domitian.
The Colosseum is located just east of the Roman Forum and was built to a practical design, with its 80 arched entrances allowing easy access to 55,000 spectators, who were seated according to rank. The Coliseum is huge, an ellipse 188m long and 156 wide. Originally 240 masts were attached to stone corbels on the 4th level.
The area around the coloseum was badly maintained and entry not exactly a great experience.

Leave a Comment

Directions: The Roman Coliseum is located in the heart of piazza del Colosseo, on the homonymous B(blue) metro line.

Just outside the Coliseum is the Arch of Constantine (Arco di Costantino), a 25m high monument built in AD315 to mark the victory of Constantine over Maxentius at Pons Milvius

Leave a Comment

Address: Piazza del Colosseo