Piazza di Trevi & Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Square & Trevi Fountain), Rome

Piazza di Trevi & Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Square & Trevi Fountain), Rome (must see)

A visit to Rome would be incomplete without witnessing the magnificent marble masterpiece of the Trevi Fountain. Throughout the day, the small Piazza di Trevi is bustling with crowds of visitors eager to behold this iconic attraction. Interestingly, a quick glance may lead one to believe that the fountain was constructed at the heart of the city, but in reality, it was the city that developed around the fountain.

Designed by architect Nicola Salvi in the 18th century, the fountain took an impressive 30 years to complete. Unfortunately, Salvi passed away midway through the project, never witnessing its full realization. One notable aspect of this fountain, among many others, is the striking contrast between its grandeur and the narrow alleyways and tiny squares that surround it. This intentional contrast serves to further impress visitors who are left in awe of such beauty.

The focal point of the Trevi Fountain ensemble is the statue of Oceanus riding in a chariot shaped like an oyster shell, pulled by two horses and guided by Tritons. One horse remains calm while the other prances, symbolizing the contrasting nature of the sea. On one side of Oceanus stands the statue of Abundance holding an urn, while on the other side, Salubrity holds a cup for a snake to drink from. Above the statues, a bas-relief depicts the legend of a young virgin who led Roman technicians to the water source feeding the aqueduct.

Every day, a considerable sum of money (approximately €3,000 worth of coins) is thrown into the Trevi Fountain for good luck. If you wish to partake in this tradition and have spare change, stand with your back to the fountain and toss a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand. The police ensure that this money is not taken by anyone and it is collected by municipal authorities for charitable purposes.

The surrounding piazza is also home to charming shops, souvenir stalls, delightful restaurants offering pizza and pasta, and enticing ice cream parlors. It is a lovely place to spend some time, immersing yourself in the ambiance of the area.

Why You Should Visit:
This marble wonder has to be seen in person to really appreciate its size and beauty.
Great walking distance from Piazza Navona, The Pantheon and, in reality, mostly everything.

Tip:
The fountain holds particular allure at night, especially after 10pm when it is beautifully illuminated and the crowds dissipate, allowing you to enjoy the site almost exclusively.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Piazza di Trevi & Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Square & Trevi Fountain) on Map

Sight Name: Piazza di Trevi & Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Square & Trevi Fountain)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Rome, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

Create Your Own Walk in Rome

Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Rome Introduction Walking Tour II

Rome Introduction Walking Tour II

The historic center of Rome is packed with numerous landmarks and genuine works of art, to see all of which may take days if not weeks. This Rome Introduction Walk II highlights some of the key sights emerged during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, comprising some truly magnificent marvels of architecture. Among the featured landmarks here are the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Fountains and Squares Walking Tour

Fountains and Squares Walking Tour

In Rome there is a lively piazza round almost every corner, each with its own unique atmosphere and its own story to tell. These public squares have been the center of Roman culture for centuries, and some of the city’s most popular attractions are located within them.

Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Vatican Walking Tour

Vatican Walking Tour

Consisting of a walled enclave within the city of Rome, the Vatican is the world’s smallest sovereign state, as well as a symbol (and headquarters) of the Roman Catholic faith. Although only 44 hectares in surface, one is amazed by the vastness of this place and the sheer size of everything. When gazing around in all directions, you realize how much can be achieved by people working in faith for...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Hidden Art Treasures in Rome

Hidden Art Treasures in Rome

Rome is one of the world's top living museums, replete with some of the most iconic pieces of art on the face of the planet. Famous artists, such as Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, to mention but a few, had lived and worked here and left indelible marks in the city.

Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Rome Introduction Walking Tour I

Rome Introduction Walking Tour I

Legend has it that Rome was founded in 753 BC by twin brothers Romulus and Remus who were raised by a she-wolf. However, the pair argued about who had the support of the gods, and Romulus ended up killing Remus in a fight on what became Palatine Hill. Thus, Romulus named the city after himself and declared himself as king.

In a slightly less glorious account, Rome actually began as an Iron Age...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Holy Sites Walking Tour

Holy Sites Walking Tour

As the cradle of the Catholic Church, one of the world's largest organizations, Rome has a large number of valuable, sacred places of worship. Crowded with architectural splendors from different periods of time, each of its churches and basilicas represent a significant part of culture and history.

Take this self-guided walking tour to discover Rome's magnificent religious heritage,...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.9 Km or 4.3 Miles

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