Visiting The Trevi Fountain in Rome
One of Rome's most iconic places is the Trevi Fountain, where you can throw a coin into the fountain and it says -
- If you throw one coin: you will return to Rome.
- If you throw two coins: you will fall in love with an attractive Italian.
- If you throw three coins: you will marry the person you met.
But the history of this beautiful landmark is fascinating to know before you visit.
Built using local Travertine stone in 1762, Trevi Fountain stands 26 feet tall and 49 feet wide, so it has over time required some renovation, most recently in 2015.
In 1730 work began on the fountain after Italian architect Nicola Salvi won the re-design contest held by Pope Clement XII.
Sadly Salvi didn’t live to see the finished fountain, but with the help of four sculptors and architect, Giuseppe Pannini, it was completed 30 years later in 1762.
Where is the Trevi Fountain Located?
It is a short walk from many of Rome’s great attractions including the Spanish Steps, Pantheon and the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain’s position in the heart of Rome is an excellent place to start your exploration of the centre of the city.
It is pretty easy to access using public transport. You can get on the metro line A towards Battistini and get off at Barberini. From here it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the Trevi Fountain.
The Trevi Fountain can also be easily reached on foot from The Pantheon, Quirinal Palace, and Palazzo Colonna, among others.
Best Time to Visit?
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most popular attractions in Rome and as it is free to view can get very busy and overwhelming with crowds at times.
As is normal, early morning or late evening will be the less busy times. Visiting it at night and seeing the beautiful statues lit up is also worth doing.
The Trevi Fountain is always open, so visitors are welcome to take a stroll by anytime, day or night.
However, it tends to be more crowded from 12:00 to 19:00, so we recommend visiting outside of these hours.
The fountain is cleaned on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 08:00 and 09:00.
Throwing A Coin Into The Fountain
Legend has it that if you throw pennies into the water, certain things will happen. The myth started in 1954 when the movie ‘Three Coins in the Fountain’ was released.
The money taken from the fountain each year is given to charity. Every year, around a million euros are collected!
Facts About the Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is made from the same material as the Colosseum. It’s mostly built from travertine stone.
- It’s a crime to steal coins from the fountain
- The Trevi Fountain has been featured in a variety of films, including Roman Holiday and most famously, La Dolce Vita
- The Trevi Fountain was drained and sealed off from the public from June 2014 to November 2015. It reopened after a €2 million restoration.
- The central figure of the fountain, in front of a large niche, is Neptune, the god of the sea. He is riding a chariot in the shape of a shell, pulled by two sea horses.
- The Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome.