A Voice Of The "Eternal City"

The sight an sound of Rome’s many fountains moved Italian composer Ottorino Respighi to compose a suite entitled “ The Fountains of Rome”. One of the most stunning examples is the Trevi Fountain. When walking down a narrow street that leads to the fountain and turn a corner, we are greeted by a sight that takes our breath away. It is the huge Trevi Fountain. It is 65 feet wide and 85 feet high. This fountain was commissioned by Pope Clement XII and designed by Italian architect Niccolo Salvi. Construction was started in 1732 and completed in 1762. The fountain is fed by the first century Aqua Virgo aqueduct, which begins eight miles from the city. The theme of the fountain, which is built against the facade of a palace is the sea. The mythical figure Oceanus stands in his shell shaped chariot, controlling the flood that cascades beneath him. As water gushes around the other figures and tumbles over the rocks below. This produces the sound of waves crashing against the shore. Every day hundreds of visitors pour into the tiny square and toss coins into what is Rome’s largest tourist attraction. Once a week, the fountain is drained. The money left by tourists adds to an average of $11,000 a week. This is then collected and donate it to a religious charity. If, as Respighi believed, the fountains sing with the voice of the city, then the Trevi Fountain stands out as a soloist. This an exceptional among the many fountains that are admired by visitors to Rome, the so-called Eternal City.