Summary
When in Rome, Toss a Coin in the Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain or Fontana di Trevi is among the most celebrated fountains globally. As an iconic symbol of Rome, it stands as a top free attraction, attracting around 1,200 visitors every hour.
Located in Rome’s historic center, the fountain can be found in a small square near the intersections of Via della Stamperia, Via di S. Vincenzo, and Via del Lavatore. The nearest Metro stop, Barberini, is convenient; alternatively, visitors can get off at the Spagna stop and embark on a 10-minute walk from Piazza di Spagna to the fountain.
History of the Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is relatively modern compared to many ancient structures in Rome. Its construction began in 1732 after Pope Clement XII held a competition to select an architect for a new terminal fountain for the Acqua Vergine. This aqueduct had been supplying fresh water to Rome since 19 BC.
Although Florentine artist Alessandro Galilei initially won, the commission ultimately went to local architect Nicola Salvi. Salvi’s design, influenced by a Bernini concept that never materialized, features massive columns and pilasters, cascading waters into a pool, and an imposing sculpture of Oceanus, complete with a shell-shaped chariot pulled by seahorses. An attic with allegorical figures sits above a triumphal arch representing abundance and wealth.
Following Salvi’s death in 1751, another architect, Giovanni Pannini, completed the fountain in 1762. A significant restoration, funded by fashion house Fendi, revitalized the fountain’s gleaming white structure in the fall of 2015.
Activities at Trevi Fountain
From morning until midnight, tourists flock around the Trevi’s expansive basin to admire this magnificent marble creation adorned with mermen and seahorses, all presided over by Oceanus, the embodiment of the sea.
- Toss a Coin: Many tourists participate in the popular tradition of tossing a coin into the fountain. It’s said that doing so guarantees a return to the Eternal City, while a second coin promises love, and a third symbolizes marriage. For optimal luck, face away from the fountain, hold the coin in your right hand, and toss it over your left shoulder.
- Admire the Baroque Masterpiece: Set against the Palazzo Poli, this travertine fountain stands approximately 85 feet high and 160 feet wide. It spills nearly 2.9 million cubic feet of water daily, with around 3,000 euros in coins extracted each day and donated to charitable causes.
- Recall Iconic Movie Scenes: The Trevi Fountain has served as the backdrop for numerous classic films, including Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita and William Wyler’s Roman Holiday. While you can’t wade into the fountain like in the movies, you can certainly reflect on those memorable cinematic moments.
Best Time to Visit
To enjoy a less crowded experience at the Trevi Fountain, aim to visit during off-peak times. Avoid midday and late afternoons when the area is congested. Twilight offers a breathtaking ambiance with enchanting lighting that creates a romantic atmosphere; alternatively, early mornings are also quiet and serene.
How to Get There
Location: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma
From Piazza di Spagna: Walk southeast to Via di Propaganda, continue on Via di Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, make a left on Largo del Nazareno, and a right onto Via della Panetteria. Finally, turn right onto Via della Stamperia to reach Piazza di Trevi.
From Termini Train Station: Take the Metro A (red line) to Barberini station and walk 8 minutes to Piazza di Trevi.
Visitor’s Tips
Note that swimming, dangling feet in the water, eating, or sitting on any part of the fountain is strictly prohibited. Fines range from €450 for swimming to €240 for sitting, climbing, or picnicking.
Remain vigilant for pickpockets, especially during peak hours, as the Trevi Fountain is a bustling tourist hub.
Nearby Attractions
Spanish Steps: Known as Scalinata di Spagna, this famous staircase has 138 steps leading up to the Trinità dei Monti church, overlooking the playful Fontana della Barcaccia.
Piazza Navona: Home to remarkable fountains, particularly Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, this lively square is filled with people at all hours.
The Pantheon: Once a pagan temple and now a Christian church, this splendid structure boasts the largest unreinforced cement dome globally, dating back to the 1st century AD.
