Fontana di Trevi

Fontana di Trevi is in my opinion one of the most moving and dramatic fountains that we have seen thus far. Trevi Fountain, located in Rome, was built mostly by Nicola Salvi, a Roman Architect. This beautiful fountain attracts tourists not only for the spectacular baroque-style sculpture, but also for the coin tossing. There is a myth that if you throw one coin into the fountain, you will return to Italy; two coins, you will fall in love with an Italian; and three coins, you will marry the Italian. So of course everyone wants to through a few coins into the clear water. But rest easy, the money, which amounts to thousands of euros, is collected each night and put to a good cause. The money goes toward a charity which helps out Rome's needy. So, heading out during the night or during the day to Trevi Fountain is worth the sights, sounds and a few coins for good luck!

Click here for more information on Trevi Fountain or click here for more information on the money from Trevi going towards charity.

Corso Cinema

Corso Cinema
Marcello Piacentini
Rome 1915

In 1915, Piacentini designed a new cinema (MAP) located at Piazza S. Lorenzo in Lucina. It was the first building of his new, refined style. The rectangular building is bisected at an angle by a façade that respects the alignment of the square. The façade is divided into three distinct zones: a center with two symmetrical wings. The central façade is subdivided into four entry portals crowned by semicircular fenestration. The axes and story-levels were obscured by the façade’s organization. The relationship between the entry portals and the upper windows was not reinforced through vertical elements in the façade

The outer zones are composed of polygonal oriels, so-called bay windows, projecting over the outer portals. Above these elements, the building appears to recede. A glass canopy stretching the length of the building provided cover from the elements for patrons, but its construction from modern materials gave it a light appearance in the façade composition. Visibly linked to the wall with iron chains, it provided a demarcation between the entry portals and the semicircular fenestration.

Contrary to assumptions that may be derived from an analysis of the façade’s formal qualities, there is no symmetrical space behind the façade; it is an asymmetrically cut trapezoidal vestibule that mediates between the piazza and the 1300-seat auditorium.

Roman Forum

Although not many of the original structures remain today, the ancient Roman Forum provides a fantastic insight into the society of the early Roman civilization. Situated in the center of the city, the forum served both a commercial and judicial purpose. Citizens of Rome would gather in this central area to barter goods, make political decisions within the current regime, and socialize with neighbors. When observing the buildings that do survive to this day, one can understand the importance of temples to worship the mythological gods and arches to commemorate a victory in battle. To fully appreciate this ancient site, I advise walking the entire course laid out by the original travertine walkways and newly added railings. However, the Forum is quite popular with the other tourists, so make sure to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the mob.

Patrick Lee

Changing of the Soldiers

We arrived at the Presidential Palace and perhaps the most unexpected thing was a pair of guards that stand completely straight and still and will not move no matter what happens in front of them ala the Royal guards you see in London. We happened to come accross a changing of the guards that apparently happens every half and hour or so. Stefano, our guide and teacher, told us there is a much more exciting ceremony known as the real "Changing of the Guards." We were told to be back at 3:00 and when we came back the formal cermony began. A group of about 100 soldiers or so stepped their way up in tune to the open space in front of the President's palace and began their daily ceremony. To make a long story short the group left about 50 to take on the next 24 hours and took on the group that just got off their "shift." All this was done to a nice and militeristic beat and as the soldiers were traded the large group hiked off in sinc down the street not to return until 24 hours later.

Brian