Pope Clement XII commissioned the Trevi Fountain project in 1732 and approved Nicola Salvi’s design. Born Lorenzo Corsini, he died in 1740 before the fountain’s completion in 1762. His family crest and dedicatory inscription remain visible above the central façade.
He was 79 years old, almost completely blind, ran the Papal States from a wheelchair and never lived to see his fountain finished. Here is his story, and why his name still presides over the Trevi Fountain.
Who was Pope Clement XII?
Lorenzo Corsini was born in Florence in 1652 to one of Tuscany's wealthiest banking families. He spent thirty years as a Curial diplomat, became Cardinal under Innocent XII and, in July 1730, was elected pope at age 78 after a four-month conclave. He took the name Clement XII and reigned almost ten years — a long pontificate for a man who started it half-blind and finished it in a wheelchair.
Why did Clement XII hold the 1732 design competition?
Rome had been promising a monumental Trevi terminus for the Aqua Virgo aqueduct since the early 1600s. Urban VIII (Bernini's patron) commissioned designs that never built. Clement XII finally pushed it through. He held a public competition in 1732 — the first major papal architectural contest open to all — and received dozens of submissions including from foreign architects.
The original winner was Florentine Alessandro Galilei. Roman public outcry over a non-Roman winner forced Clement to reopen the competition. Salvi, a 35-year-old local architect with limited built work, won on the second round.
Why did Clement XII choose Nicola Salvi?
Salvi's design integrated a flat side wall of an existing palace (Palazzo Poli) into a theatrical stage with the water tumbling out as if from a natural cliff. Clement XII approved the design in 1732 and saw the first foundations laid in 1733. Funding came from a tax on the popular Roman lottery — a controversial source the pope defended publicly.
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Look at the very top of the fountain's central attic block. Between two reclining figures of "Fame", a large crowned shield carries the Corsini arms — three horizontal red and silver bars (the fascia scaccata) and a star above. It is permanently illuminated at night. Below it runs the Latin inscription naming Clement XII as the patron, dated 1735.
What other Roman projects belong to his papacy?
On a visit, look above the central façade for the Corsini shield and the inscription naming Clement XII. These details connect the papal patron to the fountain even without entering the controlled inner area.
- Palazzo della Consulta on the Quirinal Hill — also Salvi.
- Corsini Chapel in St John Lateran — his future tomb.
- San Giovanni in Laterano façade — by Galilei (the original Trevi competition winner; a consolation prize).
- The first papal opposition to Freemasonry — his 1738 bull In Eminenti.
What should you look for at the fountain?
When you toss your coin, you are also paying him a small private homage — the blind Florentine banker-pope who, against odds and his own infirmity, finally gave Rome its Trevi. On a visit, look above the central façade for the Corsini shield and the inscription naming Clement XII.
- The Corsini star-and-bars shield at the top of the façade.
- The dedicatory inscription on the attic naming Clement XII.
- The two seated "Fame" figures flanking his crest.
- The water flowing through the same Aqua Virgo channels he refused to abandon.
When you toss your coin, you are also paying him a small private homage — the blind Florentine banker-pope who, against odds and his own infirmity, finally gave Rome its Trevi.
On a visit, look above the central façade for the Corsini shield and the inscription naming Clement XII. These details connect the papal patron to the fountain even without entering the controlled inner area.
The square remains free to view 24 hours a day; the controlled inner area costs €2 for most non-residents in 2026. Check current access details in our Trevi Fountain ticket guide and on the official Rome tourism site.
Continue reading about the Trevi Fountain
Trevi FountainThe Aqua Virgo: The Aqueduct That Feeds the Trevi
Agrippa's 19 BC aqueduct still supplies the fountain — the 20 km ancient route.
Trevi FountainTrevi Fountain Restoration History
The 2014–15 Fendi restoration and every major clean-up since 1762.
Trevi FountainTrevi Fountain in Movies: La Dolce Vita to Today
From Fellini's 1960 scandal to Roman Holiday and modern cameos.
Trevi FountainNearest Metro Station to the Trevi Fountain
Barberini vs Spagna — which Line A station is actually closest.
Plan the visit itself
Frequently Asked Questions
Who commissioned the Trevi Fountain?
Pope Clement XII (Lorenzo Corsini) in 1732. He chose architect Nicola Salvi from a design competition, financed by a tax on lottery and wine. On a visit, look above the central façade for the Corsini shield and the inscription naming Clement XII. These details connect the papal patron to the fountain even without entering the controlled inner area.
When did Clement XII die?
1740 — twenty-two years before the fountain was officially inaugurated in 1762. Three further popes presided over its long completion. On a visit, look above the central façade for the Corsini shield and the inscription naming Clement XII. These details connect the papal patron to the fountain even without entering the controlled inner area.
Why is the Corsini crest on the fountain?
Standard Roman practice: the patron pope's family arms are placed prominently on every monument commissioned during his papacy. On a visit, look above the central façade for the Corsini shield and the inscription naming Clement XII. These details connect the papal patron to the fountain even without entering the controlled inner area.
Was Clement XII really blind?
Yes. He went almost completely blind shortly after election in 1730 and ruled by dictation. Despite this he authorised three of Rome's most important Baroque projects. On a visit, look above the central façade for the Corsini shield and the inscription naming Clement XII. These details connect the papal patron to the fountain even without entering the controlled inner area.