Rich:
After spending 3 weeks in a Rome apartment that fit the budget and in a good location, but definitely not luxury, we decided to treat ourselves to an anniversary night at the Fontana Hotel facing Trevi Fountain. A very nice day at the beautiful Bourghese Gallery discovering more Bernini masterpieces followed by a delicious dinner at a family trattoria and finishing with a stroll with some more tasty gelato. I am not sure how the Bella Donna in my life puts up with me, but I am happy for every day.
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| The Bourghese Villa, Linguine with Salmon, Pasta alla Grecia and breakfast with a view, Happy Anniversary. |
Wanda:
32 years ago we did the traditional "throw the coin from your right hand backwards over your left shoulder and you will be guaranteed a return to Rome" It took us 32 years - but the legend was right - we returned, and for a lot longer! My bell'uomo, we put up with each other - but you will always be l'amore della mia vita!
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| I was trying to show a view from our room when a Neptune wannabe got in the way. Then I read this about how Neptune was described: "The body is muscular inclining to fatness....." |
This magical fountain has been the backdrop in many movies and I'm sure has contributed to the allure of this place. The most famous of these is Fellini's "La Dolce Vita" (The sweet life), where Anita Eckberg jumps into the the fountain calling "Marcello..Marcello..." (I wanted to do that so bad, but too many polizia guard the fountain now -and they probably think this homeless person is trying to steal the coins from the fountain). There is a 2nd legend inspired from the Oscar winning movie (1954) "Three Coins in the Fountain", which says you must throw three coins into the fountain: the first one guarantees your return to Rome, the second leads to a new romance, while the third will lead to marriage. (we only threw in one coin thank goodness- when you travel every penny counts). Then there's "Roman Holiday", "To Rome with Love".... and many more.....
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| Trevi by night..... |
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| Trevi by day...... |
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| Trevi at 6 am when the Polizia are away...... |
Besides the world famous Trevi Fountain, there are magnificent fountains everywhere you turn. For over 2,000 years fountains and the piazzas they are in have not only provided drinking water but have been gathering places for the people of Rome. There are probably 50 monument fountains and hundreds of others scattered throughout the city. A few of our favorites:
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The Fountains of St. Peter's Square, the fountain above was created by Carlo Maderno. The second fountain (not shown) in the square is by Bernini. (Bernini was also the architect that designed St. Peter's Square where the fountains are)
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| The Fontana del Pantheon, in the center of the fountain is an Egyptian obelisk. The fountain was constructed by Giacomo della Porto in 1575, and the obelisk was added to it in 1711. I love the backdrop of this fountain. |
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| The Triton Fountain at Piazza Barberini is by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The Triton is blowing his horn to calm the waters. ( Bernini is a sculptor, artist, architect - a genius since a child, and anything he has done captivates me) |
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| The Fountain of the Naiads on Piazza della Repubblica. The center is Glaucus, the Water God surrounded by four naiads which represent the rivers, the oceans, the lakes, and the underground waters. This is said to be the most sensual fountain in Rome and of course Richard's favorite. |
 There are 3 fountains in the Piazza Navona. The Fountain of the Rivers by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (another Bernini - this beautiful fountain is my favorite), The Fountain of the Moor by Bernini and della Porta, and The Fountain of the Neptune also by Giacomo della Porta. |
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| Of course, we can't overlook the 2,500 unique drinking fountains found all through Rome called "nasonis" The water is fresh, cold, and safe to drink saving money on buying bottled water! |
Sofia Loren
"Look within. Within is the fountain of good, and it will ever bubble up, if thou wilt ever dig"
Marcus Aurelius
