Trevi Fountain | Rome

Information

Landmark: Trevi Fountain
City: Rome
Country: Italy
Continent: Europe

Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy, Europe

The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome and one of the most famous water monuments in the world. Located at the junction of three roads (tre vie), it serves as the terminal point of the ancient Acqua Vergine aqueduct.

Visual Characteristics

The fountain is built of travertine stone and stands 26.3 meters high and 49.1 meters wide. It is integrated into the facade of Palazzo Poli. The central figure is Oceanus, standing on a chariot pulled by two sea horses-one "tame" and one "restless," symbolizing the differing moods of the sea. They are guided by Tritons. The composition is a theatrical display of cascading water, rocks, and classical sculptures.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM.

Transport: A 10-minute walk from the Barberini or Spagna metro stations (Line A). Multiple buses stop at Via del Tritone and Largo Chigi.

Access: The fountain is located in a public square and is free to view.

Rules: Sitting on the fountain basin, swimming, or eating near the monument is strictly prohibited and carries heavy fines.

Historical Origin

The fountain was commissioned by Pope Clement XII in 1730 and designed by Nicola Salvi. Construction lasted 30 years; it was completed in 1762 by Giuseppe Pannini. The site marks the end of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, constructed in 19 BC by Marcus Agrippa to supply water to the Roman baths.

Key Highlights & Activities

Coin Tossing: Tradition dictates throwing a coin with the right hand over the left shoulder to ensure a return to Rome. A second coin leads to a new romance, and a third leads to marriage.

The Statues: Abundance is on the left of Oceanus, and Salubrity (Health) is on the right. Above them, bas-reliefs depict the origin of the aqueduct.

Vicarius Urbanus: Beneath the square, visitors can tour the Archaeological Passage, an underground Roman domus and the structures of the ancient aqueduct.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The surrounding area is a high-density tourist zone filled with gelaterias, restaurants, and shops. Public restrooms are not available at the site. The square is paved with cobblestones, making wheelchair access possible but uneven. 5G signal is excellent.

Best Time to Visit

The fountain is illuminated at night and is best visited after 10:00 PM or at sunrise (before 7:00 AM) to avoid the extreme crowds that saturate the small piazza during the day.

Facts & Legends

Approximately €3,000 in coins are collected from the fountain every day. The funds are donated to Caritas, a Catholic charity, to provide food and social services to those in need. In 1960, the fountain gained cinematic immortality in Federico Fellini's film La Dolce Vita.