by 
Mackenzie Patel
Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy |
After reading a few sources about this fountain (I gazed upon it the summer of 2011 and threw a coin in like a starstruck tourist), I discovered there is a mist of mythology surrounding it. The fountain stands on the spot of an ancient aqueduct, the Aqua Virgo. The original aqueduct (its purpose was to deliver freshwater to the citizens of Rome and the baths) was built by Augustus’ top general, Agrippa, in 19 BCE. This is also the same Agrippa who built the first Pantheon and defeated Antony and Cleopatra in the heated Battle of Actium. The legend clouding this water source is as follows: tired and exhausted, Roman soldiers were led to a pure and refreshing water source by a Virgin, hence Aqua “Virgo.” I did not know this before, but like so much in the ancient world, the mythology makes everything seem out-of-reach by normal humans and completely supernatural.| Example of an Aqueduct (Segovia) |
The Trevi Fountain may have become one of the icons of pop culture (remember that cheesy but enthralling Lizzie McGuire movie?), but that doesn’t detract from its beauty. The two smaller statues that flank Neptune (the ones that are looking down at the neighing horses with somewhat sassy expressions) are Abundance (left) and Salubrity (right). I also think that the sheer volume of ornamentation is enough to take this fountain from a mere “ancient source of water” to “one of the most hyped up tourist destinations in Rome.” For example, look at the angels on the top of the fountain that break out into the space of the viewer, the ornate Corinthian columns, the interior of the niche that resembles a ritzy bird cage, and the delicate balustrade. The details seem to be dripping off the edifice like wet fettuccine noodles in spaghetti Bolognese.
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| Trevi Fountain in Las Vegas |
However, for all the splendor of the original fountain in Rome, the fake one in Las Vegas just cannot compare. Instead of delicate Roman script that looks stately and important, there is just a cheap plaque that says “The Forum Shop.” It particularly irks me that those words are surrounded by an ancient Roman laurel crown because this fountain is BAROQUE. I REPEAT, IT IS BAROQUE, NOT ROMAN. To read more about my peeves with Caesar’s Palace, click here. There is the central Neptune figure, his two protégés on the side, and the horses that are spazzing out, but it lacks a certain….finesse and class. The gold in the middle niche is much too garish, the marble doesn’t look even a little weathered, and the idea that just behind this fountain is a playground of mass consumerism turns me off. However, this fountain was a cool reprieve from the blasting heat of Las Vegas. When it is 100+ degrees outside, the sound of softly tinkling water is refreshing, even if you’re not allowed to drink it. To conclude, skip the trip to Las Vegas for the summer and save up a few years (like my family did) until you can afford to see “the real deal” in Europe; Las Vegas cannot accurately convey the marvels there.