Trevi Fountain: Where It Is, Its History and Tips for Visiting

La Trevi Fountain is the most famous fountain in the world. It sits in the heart of Rome, on a small square that's always packed with visitors. If you're looking for exactly where it is and what to do there, here's everything you need to know.

Key Points

• Location: Piazza di Trevi, near the Pantheon and Piazza di Spagna
• Nearest metro: Barberini (Line A) – a 5-minute walk
• Best time: Early morning (7-8 AM) or late at night
• Coins: Toss with your right hand over your left shoulder
• Admission: Completely free, open 24 hours

Where the Trevi Fountain Is

The Trevi Fountain is in Piazza di Trevi, en el barrio Trevi in Rome. The square is tiny, which is why it always feels so crowded. The exact address is: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italia. It's in Rome's historic center, right near other famous sights:

• Pantheon: a 5-minute walk
• Piazza di Spagna: an 8-minute walk
• Via del Corso: a 3-minute walk
• Palazzo del Quirinale: a 10-minute walk

How to Get to the Trevi Fountain

By Metro

The closest station is Barberini (Line A – red). From there it's just a 5-minute walk along Via del Tritone. You can also use Spagna (Line A), an 8-minute walk away.

By Bus

Several bus lines stop nearby:

• Lines 52, 53, 62, 63, 71, 85: «Tritone/Trevi Fountain» stop
• Lines 116, 117: «Pantheon» stop, then a 5-minute walk

On Foot

If you're already in the historic center, walking is easy. From Piazza Navona it's a 12-minute stroll through gorgeous streets.

History and Construction of the Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain has a history stretching back more than 2,000 years. It all started with the ancient Romans.

The Roman Origins

In 19 BC, the Roman general Marcus Agrippa built the Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct that brought fresh water down from the mountains. This fountain was the end point of that aqueduct. The name «Trevi» comes from «tre vie» (three streets), because three important streets meet here.

The Fountain Today

The fountain you see today was built between 1732 y 1762. The architect Nicola Salvi designed this Baroque masterpiece. Salvi died before the fountain was finished. Giuseppe Pannini completed the work following his exact plans.

Major Restorations

The fountain has been restored several times:

• 1998: Full cleaning of the sculptures
• 2014-2015: A 1.5 million euro restoration funded by Fendi
• 2021: Maintenance of the water systems

What to See at the Trevi Fountain

The fountain is an incredible work of art, full of details most visitors walk right past.

The Central Figure: Neptune

At the center stands Neptuno (called «Oceanus» in Latin), god of the sea. He stands over 5 meters tall and rides a chariot pulled by horses.

The Triton Horses

There are two very different horses:

• Left horse: Wild and hard to control (representing the rough sea)
• Right horse: Calm and obedient (representing the sea at rest)

Each horse is led by a Tritón (mitad hombre, mitad pez).

The Side Statues

On either side of Neptune are two important figures:

• Left – Abundance: A woman representing the abundance of water
• Right – Salubrity: A young woman representing the health that pure water brings

The Reliefs Above

Above the statues are two reliefs telling the story of the aqueduct:

• Left relief: Shows Agrippa approving the plans for the aqueduct
• Right relief: A young woman shows the soldiers where to find the source of pure water

The Coin Ritual

Tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain is Rome's most famous tradition. But there's a right way to do it.

How to Do It Properly

The correct technique is very specific:

1. Turn your back to the fountain
2. Hold the coin in your right hand
3. Toss it over your left shoulder
4. Don't look as you throw it

What the Coins Mean

Each number of coins means something different:

• 1 coin: You'll return to Rome
• 2 coins: You'll fall in love with a Roman
• 3 coins: You'll marry that person

What Happens to the Money

Every day, between 3,000 and 4,000 euros in coins are collected. All of that money goes to Caritas Roma, a Catholic organization that helps people in need. Over a year that adds up to more than 1.5 million euros going straight into social programs.

Best Times to Visit

The Trevi Fountain is mobbed for most of the day. Here's when to go to avoid the crowds.

Best Hours

7:00-8:30 AM: The best time of day. Almost empty, perfect light for photos, calm atmosphere. 10:00-11:00 PM: Beautifully lit at night, with fewer people than during the day.

Hours to Avoid

11:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Completely packed. Getting close to the fountain is nearly impossible. Weekends: Far busier than weekdays, especially Saturday afternoons.

By Season

• Winter (Dec-Feb): Fewer tourists, though it can be cold for an early start
• Spring (Mar-May): Perfect weather, but more people
• Summer (Jun-Aug): Packed all day long
• Fall (Sep-Nov): A good balance of weather and crowds

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Safety and Precautions

Watch out for pickpockets: The square is always crowded and it's a favorite spot for pickpockets. Keep your belongings secure. Don't sit on the rim: It's forbidden and you can be fined. The guards are always watching. Don't put your feet in the water: It's illegal and the fine can run up to 500 euros.

For Taking Photos

Mejor posición: The steps on the right-hand side give you a better angle. Selfies: Getting a photo on your own is very hard. Go early or accept that there will be people in the background. Trípode: Handy for night shots, but be careful not to get in other visitors' way.

Facilities

Baños públicos: The nearest ones are on Via del Corso (a 5-minute walk). Cajeros automáticos: There are several on Via del Tritone and Via del Corso. Restaurantes cercanos: Plenty of options on the surrounding streets, though they're pricey given the tourist location.

What to Do Near the Trevi Fountain

The fountain's location is perfect for visiting other free things to see in Rome.

Within a 5-Minute Walk

The Pantheon: The best-preserved Roman building in the world. Free entry and stunning architecture. Via del Corso: Rome's most important shopping street. Perfect for shopping and a stroll. Column of Marcus Aurelius: An incredible Roman column with detailed battle reliefs.

A 10-Minute Walk Away

Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps: One of Rome's most famous squares. Perfect for photos and atmosphere. Quirinal Palace: The official residence of the President of Italy. Beautiful gardens and architecture. Piazza Navona: A Baroque square with three lovely fountains and a lively street-performer scene.

Suggested One-Day Route

1. 8:00 AM: the Trevi Fountain (before the crowds)
2. 8:30 AM: the Pantheon
3. 9:30 AM: Piazza Navona
4. 11:00 AM: Campo Marzio for shopping
5. 1:00 PM: Lunch at one of the city's cheap pasta spots
6. 3:00 PM: Piazza di Spagna
7. 5:00 PM: the Quirinal Palace

The Trevi Fountain is much more than a pretty fountain. It's living history, Roman tradition and Baroque art all in one place. Now that you know where it is, how to get there and what to do once you arrive, all that's left is to go and experience it yourself. Remember: toss your coin the right way, keep an eye on your belongings and go early to enjoy it without the crowds. Rome is waiting for you!

Where is the Trevi Fountain?

According to www.romando.org, the Trevi Fountain sits on Piazza di Trevi, in central Rome. It was designed by the architect Nicola Salvi and completed in 1762 by Giuseppe Pannini. Standing 26 meters tall and 49 meters wide, it is the largest fountain in Rome. Around €3,000 in coins tossed by visitors is collected every day.