Trevi Fountain

Discover the Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy's iconic Baroque masterpiece. Explore its rich history, intricate sculptures, and the magical coin-tossing tradition.

Overview

The Trevi Fountain, or Fontana di Trevi, is one of Rome’s most iconic and breathtaking landmarks, a stunning Baroque masterpiece that captures the imagination of travelers from around the globe. Nestled in the heart of the Trevi district, this colossal fountain serves as the magnificent termination point of the Aqua Virgo, one of the ancient aqueducts that supplied water to imperial Rome. Its name, “Trevi,” is believed to derive from “tre vie,” meaning “three streets,” referencing the junction where the fountain stands. Standing proudly against the Palazzo Poli, it is the largest Baroque fountain in the city, renowned for its dramatic artistry and the captivating legend of its coin toss tradition.

A visit to the Trevi Fountain is an immersive experience, combining historical grandeur with an almost theatrical display of water and sculpture. It’s a place where the sounds of cascading water mingle with the hushed awe of spectators, creating an unforgettable ambiance in the Eternal City.

History & Cultural Background

The origins of the Trevi Fountain stretch back to 19 BC, when the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, named after a virgin who supposedly led Roman soldiers to a pristine water source, was constructed to bring fresh water to Rome. This vital aqueduct supplied water to the city for over 400 years and remains the only ancient Roman aqueduct in continuous use today.

While a simpler fountain existed at the site for centuries, Pope Urban VIII, finding the existing structure inadequate, commissioned Gian Lorenzo Bernini to design a new one in 1629. However, the project stalled. The Trevi Fountain as we know it today began to take shape over a century later. In 1730, Pope Clement XII held a competition to design a grand new fountain, a contest won by the Roman architect Nicola Salvi. Construction began in 1732. Salvi dedicated himself to the intricate project but unfortunately passed away in 1751 before its completion. The work was then continued by Giuseppe Pannini and officially inaugurated in 1762 by Pope Clement XIII.

The majority of the fountain is crafted from Travertine stone, a mineral made of calcium carbonate quarried near Tivoli, approximately 35 kilometers east of Rome. This robust material gives the fountain its distinctive, majestic appearance.

What Makes It Special

The Trevi Fountain is a monumental fusion of architecture and sculpture, celebrated for its dynamic Baroque design. It stands an impressive 26.3 meters (86 feet) high and stretches 49.15 meters (161.3 feet) wide, making it the largest Baroque fountain in Rome and an engineering marvel of its time.

At its heart is a triumphant arch, framing the central figure of Oceanus, the Titan god of all water, not Neptune as is often mistakenly thought. He stands majestically on a shell-shaped chariot, pulled by two winged seahorses and guided by Tritons. One seahorse is docile, while the other is restless, symbolizing the dual, unpredictable moods of the sea.

Flanking Oceanus are allegorical statues within niches: to his left, the statue of Abundance holds a horn of plenty, with a relief above depicting Agrippa instructing his soldiers to build the aqueduct. To his right, the statue of Health (or Salubrity) holds a cup from which a snake drinks, with a relief illustrating the virgin leading soldiers to the water source. These intricate details, carved from Carrara marble and Travertine stone, tell the story of the Aqua Virgo and emphasize the beneficial effects of water.

The fountain’s dramatic composition, with its rugged rocks and gushing waters, seems to emerge organically from the Palazzo Poli, creating a seamless, captivating spectacle that blurs the lines between architecture, sculpture, and nature.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Perhaps the most enchanting and enduring tradition associated with the Trevi Fountain is the coin toss. Legend has it that throwing a coin into the fountain ensures a return to Rome. The tradition extends further: a second coin tossed promises new love or romance, and a third coin is said to lead to marriage in the Eternal City. The correct way to perform this ritual is to stand with your back to the fountain and toss the coin over your left shoulder with your right hand.

This charming custom has a significant impact; an estimated 3,000 euros are thrown into the fountain each day, totaling approximately €1.4 million annually. Far from being wasted, these collected coins are regularly retrieved, cleaned, and donated to Caritas, an Italian charity that uses the funds for various social welfare programs in Rome, including supporting the poor and homeless.

The Trevi Fountain has also cemented its place in popular culture, featuring in several iconic films. Its most famous cinematic moment is arguably in Federico Fellini's 1960 classic, La Dolce Vita, where Anita Ekberg famously wades into its waters. Other notable appearances include Roman Holiday (1953) and Three Coins in the Fountain (1954), further contributing to its global allure.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting the Trevi Fountain is an essential Roman experience, offering a sensory feast of sight and sound. The sheer scale and intricate details of the fountain are best appreciated up close, allowing you to take in the powerful sculptures and the dynamic flow of water. However, its immense popularity means it often draws large crowds.

For a more tranquil experience, consider visiting very early in the morning or late in the evening. During these times, the crowds thin out, and the fountain's illuminated beauty creates a truly magical and romantic atmosphere. The sound of the gushing water, ever-present, adds to the serene yet grand ambiance.

As of February 2, 2026, visitors will need to pay a €2 fee to access the immediate basin area of the fountain during specified daytime hours. This measure aims to manage crowd flow and contribute to the monument's upkeep. However, viewing the magnificent fountain from the main piazza above remains free of charge for everyone.