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. Construction of the monumental baroque fountain was finally completed in 1762.

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. Above the sculptures are bas-reliefs, one of them shows Agrippa, the girl after whom the aqueduct was named. The water at the bottom of the fountain represents the sea. The current Trevi water fountain was designed as a large basin in a semi-circular shape. When you approach the fountain you’ll see its water cascading down a trio of ledges and rocks at the feet of Neptune, his sea-shell chariot and his sea-horses. All in all, the fountain is an impressive haven in a bustling city.

This fountain is certainly one of the most visited. Tourists and visitors to the city are encouraged to make a night-time visit to the fountain, to take a drink to toast to their return to the city and to throw coins into the water. In fact, 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.