Quick Travel Guide – Fontana di Trevi

Fontana di Trevi or Trevi Fountain is Rome’s most iconic fountain. It is not only Rome’s largest fountain but also one of the most famous in the world. It usually attracts over 1000 visitors per hour and it features in all walking itineraries in Rome, including ours. So, if you want to explore more of this baroque masterpiece, take a look at our tours!

Where is Fontana di Trevi located?

The fountain is located in Rome’s Trevi district, abutting the Palazzo Poli, at the end of an aqueduct that once supplied ancient Rome with water. There had already been a fountain on the site since the 12th century, and finally, in the 18th century, Pope Clement XII commissioned the architect Nicola Salvi to build the new Fontana di Trevi. His creation was a scenic wonder.

How to visit Fontana di Trevi?

Trevi Fountain is usually a very crowded place and it’s a bit hard to admire the masterpiece with thousands of people around. However, there are sustainable and pleasant ways to see it! The best time to see the Trevi Fountain is early in the morning or late at night. Mornings and late evenings are beautiful and romantic times to admire such an amazing venue.

However, since this is one of the main attractions in Rome, you can join a guided walking tour to find out everything you need about the Trevi Fountain.

History

The fountain’s design, the work of Nicola Salvi, depicts sea-god Oceanus in a shell-shaped chariot led by Tritons with seahorses – one wild, one docile – representing the moods of the sea. In the niche to the left of Neptune, a statue represents Abundance; to the right is Salubrity. The water comes from the Aqua Virgo, a 1st-century-BCE underground aqueduct, and the name Trevi refers to the “tre vie” (three roads) that converge at the fountain.

Tradition

Legend says that if you throw a coin in the water you will visit Rome again. If you do this, be sure to toss it with your left hand over your right shoulder, as this means you will definitely be returning to Rome. If you are still single, you should toss two coins, because legend has it that you will fall in love with a Roman man or woman. Finally, three coins will even guarantee you marriage.

Rules and etiquette

Paddling or bathing in the fountain is strictly forbidden, as is eating and drinking on the steps leading down to the water.

We hope you enjoyed reading about the Trevi Fountain. If you want to discover more about this marvellous monument in Rome, we are waiting for you to join our walking tours and have a memorable experience in the Eternal City!