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A Visit to Rome’s Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain (travel guide) is arguably the most beautiful fountain in all of Rome and one of the city’s most famous monuments. At 85 feet high and 65 feet wide it’s also the city’s largest Baroque fountain. The Trevi Fountain, or Fontana di Trevi in Italian, has served as the backdrop for numerous Hollywood films including “Roman Holiday,” “Three Coins in the Fountain” and Fellini’s 1960 classic “La Dolce Vita.” Internationally known and recognized, today it’s one of Rome’s most iconic images.
The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) in Rome, Italy
The Trevi Fountain is situated at the end point of the Aqua Virgo, or Acqua Vergine, aqueduct. This is the aqueduct that once supplied water to ancient Rome. It was a Roman custom to build fountains to mark the terminal points of the city’s aqueducts. Today the Trevi Fountain continues to be served by the Aqua Virgo aqueduct – the same aqueduct that now also serves the fountain in nearby Piazza Navona.
History and Design of the Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain underwent numerous design changes throughout its long period of construction. In the mid-15th century the first fountain was built on the spot where the Trevi Fountain sits today. It wasn’t until the early 17th century when famed Italian sculptor Bernini was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII to design a new, more ornate fountain to replace the original. When the Pope died the plans for the new fountain were put on hold.
In the mid-18th century Nicola Salvi began adapting Bernini’s original design and construction on the new fountain resumed, this time under the direction of Pope Clemente XII. But it wasn’t until eleven years after Salvi’s death in 1751, that the Trevi Fountain was finally completed by Giuseppe Panini in 1762.
The Trevi Fountain was designed to blend with the facade of the Palazzo Poli, which is the building located behind the fountain. Both the fountain and the palazzo share similar Baroque design elements. The centerpiece of the fountain is a large carved figure of Oceanus, god of the sea, who is seen riding on a giant clam shell. To his right is a figure of Poseidon’s son, Triton. The fountain’s basin is sunk below street level to give it a more intimate feel and enable visitors to get close to the water.
Throwing Coins in the Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain might be best known for the legend surrounding it. There’s a long-standing tradition of throwing coins into the fountain to ensure a return visit to Rome. According to legend, you must throw the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder while facing away from the fountain. This tradition is extremely popular and one of the main reasons the fountain attracts so many visitors.
Throwing coins in the Trevi Fountain is so popular in fact, that on average an estimated 3,000 Euros are thrown into the fountain each day. Fortunately, you can feel good about taking part in the tradition knowing that all of the coins are collected nightly and the money is used to fund local charities.
Location and Nearby Attractions
The Trevi Fountain is located right in the heart of ancient Rome within easy walking distance of many of the city’s must-see attractions. St Peter’s Basilica (travel guide) in Vatican City is just 1.5 miles away, the Colosseum (travel guide) and Termini Train Station are just under a mile away and Piazza Navona (travel guide) and the Spanish Steps (travel guide) are each less than half a mile from the fountain. If need be, the closest Metro station is Barbarini (travel guide).
Because the Trevi Fountain is such a popular attraction, it’s often terribly crowded and a haven for pickpockets and trinket vendors. It’s advisable to keep a close eye on your belongings while visiting. Many of the bars, restaurants and cafes in the area tend to be overpriced and touristy, but if you just can’t resist a coffee or gelato while sitting on the fountain steps, there are a couple local favorites.
For coffee try Tazza d’Oro at Via degli Orfani 84 near the Pantheon or Sant’Eustachio Il Caffé at Piazza Sant’Eustachio 82. Both are small coffee bars known for serving good quality coffee in a pleasant atmosphere. If you’re in the mood for gelato check out Il Gelato di San Crispino at Via della Panetteria 42. Portions are small and more expensive than in other locations, but the quality is excellent.
View of the Trevi Fountain at night
Best Time to Visit
It’s quite possible to visit the Trevi Fountain anytime, 24 hours a day. Regardless of when you go you’ll find that it’s almost always crowded. Evenings are a popular time to throw coins in the fountain and toast a hopeful return to the city. The Trevi Fountain tends to be least crowded very late in the evening and in the early morning hours. If you’re hoping to have the fountain more to yourself, it’s best to plan on visiting well after midnight.
