Trevi Fountain, Rome

Trevi Fountain, Rome

Trevi Fountain brings back fond memories of romantic movies such as Roman Holiday, La Dolce Vita, and Three Coins in a Fountain. At least seven other movies have featured the fountain as it makes a good back drop for any scene.

Trevi fountain was on Christine's must see list. She loves the movie Roman Holiday.

The smile of happiness even though she didn't get to wade in the water as did Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday or stand in it as did Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita.

My smile shows that if Christine is happy, I'm happy. Also I get to show out my Pedal Pushers hat.

A friendly person offered to take our picture.

 The aqueduct had its origins in the year 19 B.C. under Agrippa, the son-in-law of Emperor Augustus.  Trevi is said to be the name of the shepherdess who showed thirsty Roman soldiers a spring. From the spring an aqueduct was built to supply Rome with fresh water for its citizens and its fountains.

The fountain was designed as a large basin in a semi-circular shape. One can go down steps to get close to the two-tiered basin as it is sunk right below pavement level. If one has seen "Three coins in a Fountain", they are aware of the legend of "coin throwing" in the fountain. If visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return to The City of Rome. There are other legends that two coins thrown will ensure a marriage will occur soon, and three coins lead to a divorce or breakup. Remember, there were three ladies who threw coins in the movie. They didn't each throw three coins. (Just wanted to keep our legends straight). The legend is wide-spread among the visitors and tourists as some $3,500 is thrown into the Trevi Fountain each day. The coins are collected at night and are used to subsidize a supermarket for Rome's needy.

The fountain, statutes, and facade, like so much of Roman architect, is intricate in detail and symbolism.

 At the top is the coat of arms of Pope Clemente XII flanked by two winged angels. In the middle is the inscription of Pope Clemente dedicating the fountain in 1735. To the sides standing on top of the four columns are the statutes of the four seasons.  From left to right, the statues symbolize Abundance of Fruit, Fertility of the Fields, the Gifts of Autumn, and the Amenities of Meadows and Gardens.

To the left of the arch is Agrippa commanding his men to build the aqueduct. On the right is a relief of the virgin Trevi showing the spring to the soldiers.

In the middle is Oceanus. To the left is the statue of Abundance holding the horn of plenty. To the right is the statue of Health, crowned by a wreath of laurel and holding a cup a snake drinks from.

Standing in the center of the triumphal arch is Oceanus; Titan of Water, Seas, Lakes, Rivers, Ocean, Streams, and Ponds.  The statue is 16 feet high. Oceanus is carried on his triumphal coral chariot by two horses attended by two Tritons (merman-like creatures). One horse is restless, one is calm symbolizing the fluctuating moods of the sea. One Triton is strong and young, one is older and holds a twisted shell that is used to announce their passage.

As much as we would like to linger, Oceanus seemed to be pointing the way to our next adventure-- visiting the Forum and the Coliseum.

Florence, Itlay

Michelangelo's David (copy)

Florence was established by Julius Caesar in 59 B.C. as a settlement for his veteran soldiers. Although ancient, Florence can be called the Renaissance capital of the world and, with its famous sons like Da Vinci, Dante, Machiavelli, and Michelangelo, is a sightseeing delight.

Michelangelo's David is possibly top of the list of things to see in Florence. Completed in 1504, the 6-ton statue was too large to fit on the origninal, planned roof, so it eventually wound up in the Piazza della Signoria and installed next to the entrance to the Plaazzo Vecchio (old palace which was the town hall). In 1873 the statute was removed from the Piazza to protect it from damage, and displayed in the Acacademia Gallery. A replica was placed in the Piazza in 1910.

The Piazza della Signori is an L-shaped square and is the hub of the seat of government. But it is best known as an almost open air sculpture mueseum.

David in front of the old palace museum. Note Michelangelo exagerated the size of David's hands and has the sling held by the left hand over the left shoulder.

Not to clutter the story with David-although he is one of the main statue attractions in Florence-the focus is on the smaller statue of Adam by the doorway.

Hercules and Cacus by Baccio Bandenelli..

Here, the demi-god, Hercules, who killed the fire-belching monster Cacus during his tenth labor for stealing cattle, is the symbol of physical strength, which juxtaposed nicely with David as a symbol of spiritual strength. Lower left is the statue of Eve.

Fountain of Neptune

Francisco III, Grand Duke of Tuscany 1737

Another big attraction in the square is the cathedral complex which includes the Duomo, the baptistery, and the campanile (bell tower).

Santa Maria del Fiore (also known as the Duomo) is Florence's cathedral, noted for its distinctive dome. Its name (which translates as "Saint Mary of the Flower") refers to the lily, symbol of Florence.



The dome is the third largest of any Christian church (after St Peter's and St Paul's) and was finished in 1434.

The cathedral designed by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1294 to be the largest Roman Catholic church in the world. Later it was reduced in size. The first stone was laid in 1296; completion was 1436.

The bell tower is referred to as Giotto' Campanile. Construction for the free-standing bell tower began in 1334. The tower looms over everything with its height of 278 feet. If one clicks on the cathedral or bell tower to enlarge the picture, the destinctive white, green, and pink marble work can be better appreciated.  

The Baptistry, in front of the Cathedral, was built atop the site of a Roman temple, starting in the 5th century. And like the Cathedral, it took all of the 14th century to build.

The huge bronze doors, designed by Ghiberti, are probably the most famous feature. Above the door, John baptizing Jesus.

Gate to Paradise. The door has 10 panels. Among them:

Joesph sold into slavery.

Adam and Eve.

Cain and Abel. Partial lower panel; Abraham and Isaac.

Random pictures--incredible mosaics!

Florence is noted for its narrow streets.

And its transportation system.

With the beauty of Florence, it is hard for the elements to dampen the spirits.

An overview of the city as we were departing for our hotel.

We were impressed with the room we had, but what Christine really liked was the fresco ceiling.

We only stayed one day at Florence but it was a great day. Impossible to see everything in such a short time but we enjoyed what was available to us.