ROMA · AQUA VIRGO · BAROQUE

Trevi Fountain — A History of Water, Stone, and Wishes

From an Augustan aqueduct to a Baroque stage, the Trevi is Rome’s flowing memory. This page explores its origins, design, rituals, restorations, and the living tradition of casting a coin for a hope worth keeping.

Origins: The Aqua Virgo (Acqua Vergine)

In 19 BC, Roman engineers tapped a pristine spring outside Rome and channeled it via the Aqua Virgo aqueduct to the city’s core. Legend says a young maiden guided soldiers to the source — a story retold on Trevi’s façade in sculpted reliefs.

Why here?

The site marks the aqueduct’s terminal point, making a dramatic civic stage for water’s return to Rome.

Location

Trevi district, Rome — terminal of the Acqua Vergine (Aqua Virgo).

Architects

Nicola Salvi (1732) → Giuseppe Pannini (1762, completion).

Style & Materials

Roman Baroque in Tivoli travertine.

Dimensions

~26.3 m high × 49.15 m wide.

From Modest Fountain to Baroque Vision

Early fountains crowned the aqueduct here. In the 1600s, Urban VIII asked Bernini for redesign sketches, but plans stalled. In 1732, Pope Clement XII’s public competition chose Nicola Salvi, who fused architecture and sculpture into a theatrical façade embedded in Palazzo Poli.

Palazzo Integration

Giant Corinthian pilasters unify palace + fountain as one stage.

“Ace of Cups”

A sculpted vase reputedly blocks a once-ugly barber sign.

Building the Masterpiece (1732–1762)

Work begins under Nicola Salvi

Travertine from Tivoli shaped into cliffs, basins, and figures.

1732

Salvi passes away

The project continues under a team of sculptors.

1751

Pietro Bracci carves Oceanus

The commanding central figure emerges from the travertine surf.

1750s

Completion under Giuseppe Pannini

Inaugurated under Pope Clement XIII.

1762

Care & Restorations

1998 Renewal

Crack repairs, cleaning, and modern recirculating pumps.

2014–2015 Project

Major conservation and new LED lighting sponsored by Fendi.

Today

Crowd management, surveillance, and routine maintenance protect the monument.

Traditions: Coins, Wishes & Cinema

Toss a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder to ensure a return to Rome (modern lore adds love and marriage for second and third coins). Films like Three Coins in the Fountain and La Dolce Vita made the ritual world-famous.

Gallery

Click any photo to view larger.

Map

Privacy Policy (EU & Italy GDPR Compliant)

Effective Date: August 16, 2025

This Privacy Policy explains how TreviFountain.org (“we,” “our,” or “us”) collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use our website.

We comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (“GDPR”) and Italian Legislative Decree No. 196/2003 (“Codice in materia di protezione dei dati personali”), as amended by Legislative Decree No. 101/2018.

By accessing or using our services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

1. Data Controller

TreviFountain.org

Contact Us

Website: https://TreviFountain.org

2. Information We Collect

When you use our website to make a wish or payment, we may collect the following personal data:

  • Your name (if provided)
  • Your wish (the text you submit)
  • Your email address (for confirmations, if selected)
  • Payment details (processed securely through our payment provider — we do not store full credit card information)
  • Technical information such as browser type, IP address, device type, and usage data (for analytics and security)
  • Information provided through contact forms (name, email address, message)

We only collect the data necessary to provide our services, fulfill legal obligations, and improve user experience.

3. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on the lawful grounds defined under Article 6 of the GDPR:

  • Contractual necessity: to process payments and fulfill your request.
  • Consent: when you voluntarily submit your wish or contact form.
  • Legitimate interest: to maintain website performance, prevent fraud, and improve our services.
  • Legal obligation: to comply with record-keeping, accounting, and tax requirements.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your data to:

  • Process your payment and confirm your wish
  • Respond to your messages or inquiries
  • Maintain business, accounting, and legal records
  • Improve website functionality and services
  • Comply with applicable laws and regulations

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information for marketing purposes.

5. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to:

  • Remember your preferences and settings
  • Collect anonymous analytics data (e.g., page visits, session duration)
  • Enhance site performance and usability

You may disable cookies in your browser at any time.

For more details, see our Cookie Policy

6. Third-Party Services

Payments are securely processed by third-party providers (e.g., Stripe, PayPal). These providers act as data processors under the GDPR and manage your information in accordance with their own privacy policies.

We may also use Google Analytics or other analytics tools to analyze site usage. Analytics data is anonymized whenever possible.

7. International Data Transfers

If personal data is transferred outside the European Economic Area (EEA) (for example, to payment processors or analytics providers), we ensure that such transfers comply with GDPR standards, using Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or equivalent safeguards to protect your information.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to:

  • Fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy,
  • Meet contractual, accounting, or legal obligations, or
  • Resolve disputes and enforce agreements.

Once no longer required, data is securely deleted or anonymized.

9. Your Rights Under GDPR

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

  • Right of access: obtain a copy of your data.
  • Right to rectification: correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”): request deletion where legally possible.
  • Right to restrict processing: request temporary suspension of data use.
  • Right to data portability: request transfer of your data in machine-readable form.
  • Right to object: object to data use for legitimate interest or marketing.
  • Right to withdraw consent: revoke consent at any time without affecting prior lawful processing.

To exercise your rights, contact: via contact form

10. Complaints

If you believe your personal data is being processed unlawfully, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Italian Data Protection Authority (Garante per la protezione dei dati personali):

Garante per la Protezione dei Dati Personali

11. Data Security

We use appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information against unauthorized access, loss, alteration, or misuse.

All payments and form submissions are encrypted using SSL/TLS technology.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically.

Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.

Your continued use of the site after such updates constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

For privacy questions, requests, or complaints:

 Contact Us

 https://TreviFountain.org

Last Updated: August 16, 2025

TreviFountain.org - Privacy Policy

Effective Date: August 16, 2025

This Privacy Policy explains how TreviFountain.org (“we,” “our,” or “us”) collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use our website. By accessing or using our services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

When you use our website to make a wish and payment, we may collect:

  • Your name (if provided)
  • Your wish (the text you submit)
  • Your email address (for confirmations, if selected)
  • Payment details (processed securely through our payment provider — we do not store credit card information)
  • Technical information such as browser type, IP address, and site usage data (for analytics and performance improvements)
  • Contact Form Submissions: When you use our contact form, we collect the information you choose to provide (such as your name, email address, and message). This information is used solely to respond to your inquiry and will not be shared, sold, or used for unrelated purposes without your consent.”

We only collect information necessary to process your request and improve your experience.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Process your payment
  • Send you a confirmation of your wish (if applicable)
  • Maintain records for financial, legal, and security purposes
  • Improve our website and services
  • Comply with legal or regulatory requirements

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties.

3. Cookies

Our website may use cookies to:

  • Remember your preferences
  • Track anonymous visitor data (such as page views and time spent on site)
  • Improve website functionality and performance

You may disable cookies in your browser settings, but some site features may not function properly.

4. Third-Party Services

Payments on our website are processed through trusted third-party providers (e.g., Stripe, PayPal, or similar). These providers may collect and process personal and financial data in accordance with their own privacy policies. We recommend reviewing their policies for further information.

We may also use third-party analytics services (such as Google Analytics) to better understand website traffic and improve our services.

5. International Visitors

Our website is operated in Canada. If you access our services from outside Canada, you acknowledge and agree that your information may be processed and stored in Canada under Canadian privacy laws, which may differ from the laws in your country.

6. Legal Disclosure

We may disclose information if required to do so by law or if necessary to protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of others.

7. Your Rights & Choices

  • You may choose not to receive confirmation emails.
  • You may contact us at any time to request access to or deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and financial record-keeping obligations.
  • You may opt out of cookies by adjusting your browser settings.

8. Canada Anti-Spam Law (CASL) Compliance

We comply with Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL). Any emails sent by us will clearly identify our business, include our contact details, and provide a simple way to unsubscribe.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on this page with the revised effective date. Continued use of our website after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

11. Contact Us

  • 📧 Contact Form
  • 🌐 trevifountain.org

Last Updated: August 16, 2025

Terms & Conditions (EU & Italy Compliant)

Effective Date: August 16, 2025

Welcome to TreviFountain.org (“we,” “our,” or “us”). By accessing or using this website, you agree to these Terms and Conditions in accordance with European Union law and the Italian Civil Code (Codice Civile).

If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our website.

1. General Use

  • This website and its services are provided for symbolic and entertainment purposes only.

  • TreviFountain.org is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the actual Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy.

  • All wishes submitted through this website are symbolic acts. We make no guarantees, warranties, or representations that any wish will be fulfilled, in whole or in part.

  • By using the website, you acknowledge that your participation is voluntary and for entertainment purposes.

2. Eligibility

  • You must be at least 18 years old or have the consent of a parent or legal guardian to use this website and make a payment.

  • By submitting a wish or payment, you confirm that you meet this requirement and have legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement under Italian law.

3. Payments and Refunds

  • Payments made through this website are final and non-refundable, except where required by applicable EU or Italian consumer law.

  • The service consists of a symbolic digital act (recording and confirming your wish). Once your wish is submitted and payment is processed, the service is considered delivered in full.

  • Refunds will not be granted based on the perceived outcome or result of the wish.

  • Payments are securely processed through third-party providers such as Stripe or PayPal, in accordance with their own terms and privacy policies.

4. Intellectual Property Rights

  • All website content — including text, images, design, graphics, logos, and layout — is the intellectual property of TreviFountain.org or its licensors.

  • Any reproduction, distribution, modification, or commercial use of website materials without prior written consent is strictly prohibited under Italian copyright law (Law No. 633/1941).

5. Limitation of Liability

  • To the fullest extent permitted by law, TreviFountain.org shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of or in connection with the use (or inability to use) this website.

  • This includes, but is not limited to, loss of profits, emotional distress, or reliance on the symbolic act of making a wish.

  • Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for fraud, gross negligence, or other cases where limitation is not permitted under Article 1229 of the Italian Civil Code.

6. Third-Party Links and Services

  • Our website may contain links to external websites or third-party services. These are provided for convenience only.

  • We are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of third-party sites.

  • Any transactions or interactions with third parties (including payment processors) are governed by their respective terms and policies.

7. Cookies and Data

  • Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve user experience, personalize content, and analyze traffic.

  • For more details, please refer to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

8. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

  • These Terms and any disputes arising from them are governed by the laws of Italy and applicable European Union regulations.

  • Unless otherwise required by consumer protection laws, any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Rome, Italy (Foro di Roma).

9. Changes to These Terms

We may update or modify these Terms and Conditions from time to time.

Revised Terms will be posted on this page with a new effective date.

Continued use of our website after updates constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms or our services, you can contact us at:

 Contact Us

 https://TreviFountain.org

Last Updated: August 16, 2025