LEGO ARCHITECTURE TREVIFOUNTAIN, Instructions Manual, Page: 6 / 144

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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
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.
Design & Construction