Fontana di Trevi

The Fontana di Trevi, or the Trevi Fountain in English, is one of the most visited monuments in all of Rome. The largest standing at 25.9 meters (85 feets) high and 19.8 meters (65 feet) of all of the city's Baroque fountains, the Trevi Fountain was designed by Nicola Salvi in 1732. Its water is taken from one of the first aqueducts of Rome.

According to the legend of the fountain, you have to toss two coins into the fountain, one to return to Rome and the other to make a wish. Before tossing the coins, you have to turn with your back to the fountain, tossing the coins over your shoulder. Since the legend has gained such fame over the years, nearly all of the tourists that visit the city toss their coins into the fountain, resulting in the overall annual income of the fountain topping off at nearly 750,000 euros. The European currency is used to for local housing projects, in addition to cleaning and upkeeping the fountain, while all foreign money is donated to the Red Cross. When we visited the Fontana di Trevi, we had to carry out the legend as well, tossing our euros into its money-covered bottom.

Since the fountain is such a touristy destination, the surrounding area was swarming with pickpockets, but, armed with freshly-scooped gelato, we were not to be messed with.