Trevi Fountain Rome, Italy

La Fontana di Trevi, the most famous fountain in the world

The baroque ‘Fontana di Trevi’, or the Rome Trevi Fountain is perhaps the most famous fountain in the world and definitely in Italy and Rome. Who was the architect and when was the Trevi Fountain built?

Visit the Fontana di Trevi

The ‘Fontana di Trevi’, or the Trevi Fountain is perhaps the most famous fountain in the world and definitely in Rome. When was the Trevi Fountain built? The baroque fountain on the Piazza di Trevi square was initially designed by Bernini for Pope Clemens XII. However, it was not built until 50 years later after a (less expensive) redesign by the architect Nicola Salvi. Construction lasted from 1732 to 1762. The fountain's fame is in part the result of the many films that featured the Trevi Fountain, including La Dolce Vita, Angels and Demons, The Lizzie McGuire Movie and Roman Holiday.

The almost 30-metre high Trevi Fountain was built against the back of the Palazzo Poli building. In the centre underneath the arch stands the statue of the nautical god Neptune, being pulled to the sea on his shell-shaped chariot pulled by two winged horses and tritons (young gods of the sea). One of the horses is calm and obedient, the other is boisterous. They symbolise the changing tides of the sea. The two beautiful statues in the niches (made by Filippo della Valle) next to Neptune represent Abundance to the left and Health to the right. The name ‘La Fontana di Trevi’ is derived from tre via, or three roads. Three roads used to come together at the site of the baroque fountain.

^{Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain}

^{The beautiful Fontana di Trevi in Rome Italy}

Coins into the Trevi fountain of Rome

It is tradition during your citytrip Rome to throw a coin into the Fontana di Trevi – keep your eyes closed and throw the coin into the water over your left shoulder using your right hand. According to legend, the person who throws the coin will one day return to Rome. Did you throw two coins into the fountain? You will find your love in Rome. Prefer to get married (or divorced)? Throw three coins into the famous fountain. Every week, the municipality of Rome cleans the Fontana di Trevi and donates a large portion of the proceeds (1.4 million annually) to a charity that helps poor families.

Walking tours around the Trevi Fountain

Video: La Fontana di Trevi

Where is the Trevi Fountain in Rome Italy?

The Trevi Fountain, known as Fontana di Trevi in Italian, is located in Rome city centre. It is situated at Piazza di Trevi in the Trevi district, specifically at the junction of three streets: Via delle Muratte, Via dei Crociferi and Via Poli. The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world and is known for its grand Baroque style and the iconic sculpture of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, surrounded by other mythical figures. Visitors traditionally toss a coin into the fountain, with the belief that doing so will ensure their return to Rome. The fountain is easily accessible by public transportation (500 meters from metro station Barberini) and is situated within walking distance of other notable landmarks, such as the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon.