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(In the movie, however, it was three different women each throwing one coin into the fountain.) Still another version of the tradition is that throwing two coins will ensure a marriage coming soon, and three coins means a divorce. This tradition of three coins probably comes from the movie Three Coins in the Fountain. A current version of this tradition is throwing three coins with the right hand over the left shoulder. The most popular interpretation is that throwing a coin over your shoulder into the water of the fountain will ensure a return visit to Rome. There are a couple of variations on the coin throwing story, all rooted in tradition with varying interpretation. But still, there was a certain energy about it as visitors posed, as did I, throwing a coin into the fountain. It was always abuzz with people, albeit primarily tourists, and the constant clicking of cameras could be a bit distracting. I spent some time at Trevi Fountain during the afternoon as well as in the evening. At about 85 feet high and 65 feet wide, Trevi Fountain is a tribute to the power and lushness of the sea, both in its design and in the roaring water spilling over the rocks. In the water are additional sculptures representing sea creatures, both real and mythological. Additional sculptures flank each side of Oceanus, resting in the niches. Against the backdrop of the fountain is a large sculpture of Oceanus in the center, along with chariot in the shape of a shell drawn by seahorses. When I first stepped into the Piazza di Trevi, its intricate sculptures, cascading water, and faded stones wowed me. There’s signage to help you find the way, and asking for directions will help get you pointed in the right direction, but if you find the noise gets louder and louder it means you’re getting close. To get to the fountain you walk down narrow streets, some of which seem more like alleys than streets, to the historic center of Rome. The Baroque-style fountain, designed by architect Nicola Salvi and completed in 1762, is located in a busy section of the city, not far from the popular Via del Corso.
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In a city with so many impressive fountains, that’s a pretty big claim. Fontana di Trevi, better known to most of us as Trevi Fountain, is Rome’s most spectacular and popular fountain.
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