Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain marks the end point of the Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct first built in 19 BC that still feeds water into the centre of Rome. The present fountain was designed by Nicola Salvi after a competition held by Pope Clement XII, and was completed in 1762 by Giuseppe Pannini. It is built against the back of Palazzo Poli and fills almost the whole of its small square, which adds to the effect when you turn the corner and come upon it.

The sculpture shows Oceanus riding a shell-shaped chariot drawn by sea horses and tritons, one horse calm and one restless to represent the changing moods of the sea. Allegorical figures of Abundance and Health stand in the niches on either side. The fountain became world-famous through films, above all Federico Fellini's La Dolce Vita, and the custom of throwing a coin over your shoulder to guarantee a return to Rome is followed by thousands of visitors every day.

Since 2 February 2026, tourists and non-residents need a 2-euro ticket to enter the basin area closest to the monument. Access is managed daily from 9:00 to 22:00, including the first Sunday of the month, and hours may change for maintenance or public order reasons. Tickets can be bought on the official website, at the civic museums and tourist infopoints, or by card at the entrance. Residents of Rome and its metropolitan area, children under five, and people with disabilities and their carers enter free. The square itself remains open and can be viewed from the edges without a ticket.

The fountain is crowded for most of the day, so come early in the morning or late at night for a calmer view. Keep an eye on bags and phones in the crush. Sitting on the fountain, wading or eating on the steps is not allowed. Allow 20 to 30 minutes, longer if you want to wait for a place at the front.

The Trevi Fountain is a short walk from the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and Piazza Venezia, and is easy to include in a walking route through the centre. The nearest metro station is Barberini on Line A, about ten minutes away on foot. The surrounding streets are full of gelato shops and souvenir stands, and the Quirinal Palace sits on the hill just above.