Ah, the Trevi Fountain. Some would say that it's the most beautiful fountain in all of Rome. Well, I wouldn't know about that - not having visited all 7,000 of them. Ok, that's maybe an exagerration, but there are quite a few of the old fontanas dotted around the eternal city. One thing's for sure though, it's certainly an impressive site...or sight, even.

You would think that such a world famous and much visited tourist attraction would be situated in some grand piazza or boulevard. You'd be wrong. It's actually tucked away at the meeting point three nondescript road (tre vie) in a little square called, somewhat unimaginatively, Piazza del Trevi. Perhaps the mundane stroll through narrow streets before encountering this masterpiece of baroque architecture is part of its appeal...perhaps not. But it's definitely a gobsmacker. You'll know when you've arrived at the Trevi Fountain - the street sign and the appearance of a rather large cascade of sparkling aqua should give you a clue, but if that doesn't do it for you then the huddled masses and click'n'whirr of countless photographic implements will. Still not sure you're at a major tourist attraction? The hawkers and street vendors aggressively punting their 'high' quality tat should put you straight.

There's quite a bit of history and some amazing facts concerning the Trevi Fountain, but you won't be reading that here - try wikpedia if you're that way inclined. Basically, the fountain consists of a statue of Neptune in a chariot made from a sea shell pulled by two sea horses, each guided by a Triton. So, not particularly based on any sort of factual scenario then.

One thing's for sure though, it's big on the WoW factor. As fountains go, and they generally don't go far, this is a peach. The intimate setting of the small piazza lends it a ...um, intimacy, even though it can be a little crowded. We managed to force ourselves into a small space on the bench right at the front (apparently, it's illegal to throw small children into the fountain...as we found out...). Great, We could sit for as long as we liked and gaze into the crystal water splashing all around. Three minutes just about did it.
Come on, it's a fountain for goodness sake. Anyway, we took a gazillion photos, bought a piece of rubbishy tat (as you do) scoffed a gelato and departed never to return.
Never to return?
A traditional legend states that if you throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain you're sure to return to Rome. Personally, I'm of the opinion that if you buy an airline ticket, you've got a slightly higher chance of doing so. It's said that around 3,000 euros are chucked in the fountain each day and collected at night (under the cover of darkness) before being distributed to good causes...I expect. 3,000 euros? That's a lot of tossers when you think about it.

The Trevi Fountain is a pretty amazing spectacle and no trip to Rome would be complete without taking a few snaps and throwing a (low denomination) coin in. Well, when in Rome...

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