Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is the most famous fountain in the world, a magnificent baroque tableau of Oceanus, god of all waters and often mistaken for Neptune, riding a shell chariot drawn by winged sea horses, water cascading over rocks to fill the basin that crowds a small Roman square. Tradition holds that a coin tossed over the shoulder into its waters ensures a return to Rome, and thousands are thrown each day. Since 2 February 2026 non-residents have needed a 2-euro ticket to approach the fountain and throw their coin, from 9 am to 10 pm on most days and from 11 am on Mondays and Fridays; after 10 pm the barriers open and access is free.

History

The fountain marks the end of the Acqua Vergine, the revived Aqua Virgo of ancient Rome: in 19 BC, supposedly with the help of a virgin, Roman engineers found a source of pure water about 13 km from the city, a scene shown on the fountain's facade. The aqueduct, damaged in the Gothic siege of 537, stayed in use through the Middle Ages, with repairs recorded from the 8th century (Wikipedia, Trevi Fountain).

The main sights

• The baroque cascade - Oceanus and his sea horses over the cascading water.
• The coin toss - the tradition of throwing a coin to return to Rome.
• The floodlit fountain - the fountain lit dramatically after dark.
• The piazza - the small square packed with visitors.

When to go

Year-round; early morning or late at night is the only time it is less than mobbed, and it is beautifully floodlit after dark. It is a quick stop on any central Rome walk.

Good to know

It is extremely crowded almost all day, a scrum for photos, so early morning or late night is the only calm time. It is a single monument, a quick stop. Beware pickpockets in the crush, and note that swimming or wading is forbidden.

Nearby

The Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and the Quirinal are all a short walk.

Key facts