Fendi’s Latest Makeover: Rome’s Iconic Fountain

Italian fashion house Fendi is donating 2.12 million euros to the restoration of the iconic Trevi Fountain in Rome. Located in the historic center of the city, the beautiful Baroque fountain is badly in need of repairs. In the summer of 2012, chunks of stone and plaster started to fall from the fountain due to the snow and ice of the previous winter, and it became clear that a thorough restoration was more urgent than previously thought. The fountain, named “Trevi” because it is at the end of three streets (or tre vie in Italian) marks the end of the Acqua Vergine aqueduct. Located in 19 B.C.E., this is one of the most ancient aqueducts in Rome. In 1629, Pope Urban VIII commissioned the prominent architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini to design a more grandiose fountain than the existing one. However, he died soon afterwards and the plans were postponed until 1732, when Nicola Salvi designed a new fountain with elements of Bernini’s original plan. The Trevi Fountain so known and loved today was completed in 1762.

The Trevi is one of the most famous tourist venues in Rome, with millions flocking to it each year to throw coins in. It is estimated that 3,000 euros are thrown into the fountain each day. Legend says that anyone who throws a coin with their right hand over their left shoulder will return to Rome someday. The fountain also serves as the backdrop of many movies, such as Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck’s Roman Holiday and Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita.

Fendi joins several other Italian brands in restoration of monuments. Recently, leather company Tod’s is paying for the restoration of the Coliseum, and fashion house Diesel is restoring the Rialto Bridge in Venice. The restoration is estimated to take 20 months.