This landmark features a relief of Agrippa approving the design of an aqueduct as well as Pietro Bracci’s statue of Oceanus

The Final Jeopardy! clue for Thursday, March 27, 2025, fell under the category “Landmarks.” Contestants were asked to identify the landmark described in the clue: “This landmark features a relief of Agrippa approving the design of an aqueduct as well as Pietro Bracci’s statue of Oceanus.”

What is the Trevi Fountain?

The Trevi Fountain, or Fontana di Trevi, is one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks and a standout example of Baroque art and architecture. Located at the junction of three roads—hence the name Trevi—the fountain marks the terminal point of the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct, which has supplied water to the city since 19 BCE. Its dramatic sculptures and monumental scale make it one of the most visited attractions in Italy.

One of the key features referenced in the Jeopardy! clue is the bas-relief depicting Marcus Agrippa, the Roman general and statesman, approving the construction of the aqueduct. This relief connects the fountain to its ancient origins and highlights Rome’s long-standing mastery of water management and public works. It serves as a historical reminder that the fountain is not merely decorative but also celebrates the practical achievements of ancient Rome.

Pietro Bracci and the Statue of Oceanus

At the center of the Trevi Fountain stands a commanding statue of Oceanus, the god of all water, riding a shell-shaped chariot pulled by two sea horses. This sculpture was created by Pietro Bracci, an 18th-century Italian artist known for his skill in marble carving. Oceanus is flanked by allegorical figures representing Abundance and Health, further reinforcing the fountain’s theme of water as a life-giving force.

Bracci’s statue is the focal point of the fountain, both in size and visual impact. It embodies the theatrical and dynamic style typical of Baroque art, with flowing lines and dramatic poses that create a sense of movement. The sea horses pulling Oceanus—one calm, the other wild—symbolize the varying moods of the sea, adding further layers of meaning to the composition.

Architectural Origins and Completion

Though Nicola Salvi was the original architect behind the fountain’s Baroque design, he died before its completion. The project was finished by Giuseppe Pannini, who made slight modifications to Salvi’s plans while preserving the overall vision. The fountain was officially completed in 1762, and it remains one of the most enduring legacies of Rome’s 18th-century urban development.

The Trevi Fountain stands 26.3 meters high and 49.15 meters wide, making it the largest Baroque fountain in the city. Despite its grandeur, the fountain functions as a celebration of Rome’s engineering achievements and cultural heritage, combining history, mythology, and artistry in a single structure.

A Site of Tradition and Popular Culture

Beyond its artistic and historical value, the Trevi Fountain is also known for the popular tradition of coin throwing. According to custom, tossing a coin into the fountain ensures a return trip to Rome. This tradition has been immortalized in films such as Three Coins in the Fountain and La Dolce Vita, further cementing the fountain’s place in popular culture.

From its ancient aqueduct origins to its Baroque splendor, the Trevi Fountain embodies layers of Roman history and myth. The March 27 clue on Jeopardy! was a well-crafted nod to this world-famous landmark, drawing attention to its symbolic sculptures and enduring cultural significance.