The magical atmosphere of Rome unfolds in all its splendor at the Trevi Fountain, one of the most famous and beautiful fountains in the world. Located in the vibrant heart of the city, the Trevi Fountain attracts numerous visitors daily, who are captivated by its stunning architectural beauty and impressive sculptures.
Known as "Fontana di Trevi" in Italian, this magnificent Baroque fountain dates back to the 18th century and was designed by the famous Italian architect Nicola Salvi. The central figure of the fountain, Neptune, the god of the sea, is flanked by two Tritons representing the chaos and calm of the seas.
A visit to the Trevi Fountain would not be complete without the legendary coin toss. It is a centuries-old tradition for visitors to throw a coin over their shoulder into the fountain, hoping to return to Rome one day.
History of the Trevi Fountain
The history of the Trevi Fountain is closely linked to the history of Rome and dates back to ancient Rome. Originally, it marked the endpoint of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, which since 19 BC transported fresh water from springs outside the city into the heart of Rome. The spring was named "Virgo" or Virgin, after a young girl who reportedly showed thirsty Roman soldiers the way to the springs.
The design of the current Trevi Fountain began only in the 17th century, when Pope Urban VIII commissioned the renovation of the then-modest fountain. Due to various difficulties and the Pope's death, these plans were not realized. The actual construction of the present Trevi Fountain began in 1732 under the direction of architect Nicola Salvi and was completed in 1762. The fountain is a masterpiece of Baroque art and depicts a dramatic representation of Neptune, the sea god, flanked by two Tritons on a shell chariot drawn by sea horses.
Over the years, the Trevi Fountain has gained a special place in popular culture, particularly through its depiction in films such as Federico Fellini's "La Dolce Vita." Today, the fountain remains a symbol of Rome's romantic history and a must-see for every visitor.
What Are the Opening Hours of the Fontana di Trevi?
The Trevi Fountain can be visited 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What Are the Admission Fees for the Trevi Fountain?
Visiting the "Fontana di Trevi" is free for all visitors.
Wait times: There are no wait times for visiting the Trevi Fountain. However, it can get very crowded around the fountain as there are always many visitors, tourists, locals, and street vendors/artists present.
Buy tickets online
Direct booking, flexible cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit.
Guided Tours Around and Beneath the Trevi Fountain
Discover the hidden secrets of the Trevi Fountain in Rome! The guided tours take you not only around this world-famous landmark but also into its underground depths, including a visit to the ancient Domus aqueduct, which historically supplied the Trevi Fountain with water. These rarely accessible underground passages offer a fascinating insight into Roman engineering.
Book guided tour
Incl. admission · small groups · available in English
How Do I Get to the Trevi Fountain?
The impressive Trevi Fountain is centrally located in Rome and is therefore very accessible. If you use the metro, Line A will take you to the "Barberini" station - from there it is only a short, about five-minute walk to the fountain. Bus lines 52, 53, 62, 63, 71, 80, 83, 85, 160, 492, and 628 all stop near the Trevi Fountain (stop "Trevi"). The Trevi Fountain is also just a pleasant stroll away from many other famous landmarks such as the Spanish Steps or the Pantheon.
| Stop | Transport |
|---|---|
| Barberini | Metro A |
| Tritone/Fontana Trevi | Bus 52, 53, 62, 63, 71, 80, 83, 85, 160, 492, 628 |
The Magic of Coin Throwing: A Timeless Tradition
The tradition dictates that visitors should throw a coin over their right shoulder with their back to the fountain to ensure a return to Rome one day.
Origin: The tradition has its roots in antiquity, when travelers threw coins into bodies of water to appease the gods of water. It became specifically associated with the Trevi Fountain, partly due to its popularization in movies like "Three Coins in the Fountain" (1954).
How to position yourself: Stand with your back to the fountain, hold the coin in your right hand, and toss it over your left shoulder.
Meaning: One coin represents the hope to return to Rome someday. Two coins are sometimes thrown to find love. Three coins are said to symbolize either a marriage or a breakup with someone in Rome.
Use of the coins: The coins collected from the Trevi Fountain are regularly removed by city authorities and the substantial amount is donated to charitable causes - historically supporting Caritas, a Catholic charity that provides food for needy families in Rome.
