LEGO Architecture Trevi Fountain Building Instructions page 6

Design & Construction
Many smaller fountains were constructed
between 1400 and 1700, almost all of them at
the behest of the reigning pope. It was also
Pope Clement XII who organized a competition
in 1730 to build a more dramatic fountain.
Many of the most renowned architects of the
day entered the competition, which architect
Nicola Salvi eventually won.
With a budget of 17,647 Scudo (the Papal State's
currency), work began in 1732. Unfortunately,
neither Clement XII nor Salvi would live to see
the work completed. It was Pietro Bracci who,
under the guardianship of Clement XIII, would
complete the project. The magnificent fountain
that we know today was officially opened on
Sunday, May 22, 1762.
The central theme of this impressive fountain is
the Taming of the Waters. In a mix of water and
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rockwork, Tritons guide Oceanus' shell chariot,
taming the horses, or hippocampi, of the sea.
A triumphal arch with three niches holds the
fountain's main statues. The center niche
frames Oceanus and includes freestanding
columns for maximal light and shade. In the
niches flanking Oceanus, Abundance spills
water from her urn and Salubrity holds a cup
from which a snake drinks. Above, bas-reliefs
illustrate the Roman origin of the aqueducts.
The 86 ft. (26.3 m) tall and 161.3 ft. (49.15 m) wide
fountain is superimposed on a backdrop of
the elegant Palazzo Poli. The palace was given
a new facade to match the fountain and today
houses the National Institute of Graphic Art.