Trevi

The Fontana di Trevi in Rome was commissioned by Pope Clement XII Corsini and built between 1732 and 1762 according to the design of Nicola Salvi. Explores relationships between the original meaning and received meanings of this famous monument over time. Uses excerpts from a memorandum written by Salvi and shots of various mythological figures of the fountain to elucidate the iconography. Shows the early dawn cleaning of the fountain, when the water is turned off and coins are swept up. Follows the journey of water from the springs of its source--via the Acqua Vergine, an original Roman acqueduct--to the fountain. Illustrates the Trevi's role as a popular icon with a passage from Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel The Marble Faun (1860) and a film clip, featuring Anita Ekberg and Marcello Mastroianni, from Federico Fellini's La dolce vita (1960). Concludes with a presentation of the fountain as tourist attraction, with comments from a souvenir seller, a tour guide, and tourists from all over the world.