The Trevi Fountain, one of the most famous fountains in the world, has been a stunning backdrop in movies and TV shows for decades. From the classic film La Dolce Vita to the modern series Emily in Paris, this breathtaking landmark continues to capture hearts.
Every year, millions of tourists navigate Rome’s narrow streets to admire the grand fountain. At its center stands Oceanus, the powerful Titan god, surrounded by flowing waterfalls that spill into a dazzling blue pool. However, few people know what happens behind the scenes to keep this masterpiece running.
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Hidden behind the fountain, on a nearby street, wooden doors open to an underground control room. This is where the fountain’s water system is managed. The water comes from Aqua Virgo, an ancient Roman aqueduct built over 2,000 years ago, stretching 16 kilometers (10 miles) to supply the fountain.
Two electric pumps recycle 126 liters (33 gallons) of water every second, while Rome’s water management company, ACEA, closely monitors the flow 24/7. The exact water level is crucial—too much or too little, and the fountain wouldn’t function properly, explains Davide D’Alonzo, an ACEA manager.
The control room consists of a modern section with metal tanks and electronic panels, as well as an older arched chamber where water rushes through a thick pipe. Inside, an 18th-century hydrometer still measures the water level. A large chart on the wall lists the names of wealthy Roman families who once received water from this system. If they failed to pay their dues, their water supply was cut off.
Small grated windows in the chamber offer a secret view of the fountain and the crowds above—completely unaware of the hidden workings below. Meanwhile, visitors continue to toss coins into the fountain, believing in the age-old legend that doing so ensures their return to the Eternal City.
