Trevi Fountain - Rome, Italy - Oceanus Illuminated at Night

The illuminated Trevi Fountain glows against the Roman night, with Oceanus commanding the monumental cascade of water, rock and sculpture.

The Trevi Fountain glows dramatically at night in the heart of Rome, with the monumental figure of Oceanus standing beneath the great central arch of Palazzo Poli. Below him, water tumbles across an elaborate landscape of sculpted rocks into the broad basin, while Tritons guide the two sea horses drawing Oceanus's shell-shaped chariot. The present Fontana di Trevi was begun in 1732 after Pope Clement XII selected the design of architect Nicola Salvi and was completed by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762. Its theatrical composition transforms the rear façade of Palazzo Poli into a monumental Baroque stage celebrating the power and abundance of water. The fountain also marks the terminal display of the ancient Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct originally constructed in 19 BC to supply water to Rome. In the niches beside Oceanus are allegorical figures representing Abundance and Health, while reliefs above recall the history and legend of the aqueduct. Illuminated after dark, the pale stone, moving water and deep shadows give one of Rome's most famous landmarks an especially dramatic appearance.