Trevi Fountain

Rome, Italy

The Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome and one of the most famous fountains in the world. The fountain has appeared in several notable films, including Federico Fellini's La Dolce Vita.

The fountain at the junction of three roads marks the terminal point of the 'modern' Acqua Vergine, the revived Aqua Virgo, one of the aqueducts that supplied water to ancient Rome. In 19 BC, supposedly with the help of a virgin, Roman technicians located a source of pure water some 13 km from the city (This scene is presented on the present fountain's façade). However, the eventual indirect route of the aqueduct made its length some 22 km. This Aqua Virgo led the water into the Baths of Agrippa. It served Rome for more than 400 years.

In 1629 Pope Urban VIII, finding the earlier fountain insufficiently dramatic, asked Gian Lorenzo Bernini to sketch possible renovations, but the project was abandoned when the pope died. Though Bernini's project was never constructed, there are many Bernini touches in the fountain as it exists today.

Competitions had become the rage during the Baroque era to design buildings, fountains and even the Spanish Steps. In 1730 Pope Clement XII organized a contest in which Nicola Salvi initially lost to Alessandro Galilei, but due to the outcry in Rome over the fact that a Florentine won, Salvi was awarded the commission anyway. Work began in 1732 and the fountain was completed in 1762, long after Salvi's death, when Pietro Bracci's Oceanus (god of all water) was set in the central niche.

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Address

Piazza di Trevi 98, Rome, Italy
See all sites in Rome

Details

Founded: 1732-1762
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in Italy

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Alina W (12 months ago)
A very cool place. Fountain is impressive. But the amount of people around makes it difficult to get a good space and view. A lot of hustler who take pictures and stick out hand for money - this is my minus one star.
Margarida Pimenta (12 months ago)
Such an amazing piece of art! So well preserved. The structure and sculptures are beautiful, one of the most amazing places in Rome. It’s a shame that it’s always so crowded, because you have to wait a lot to get close to the fountain. The water is clean and has a beautiful color.
Kylie Bartelli (14 months ago)
Absolutely loved it. Keep your belongings safe because there are a lot of sketchy people around and it's very busy. Everyone is trying to get the same photo and when taking a photo people walk in front of you. So a lot of patience is required. Plenty of places to buy a gelato to cool down and also refresh yourself with the water from the fountain. It's fantastic. Such a beautiful place. Enjoy and take in the surroundings. It's really lovely.
Jodie M (15 months ago)
UPDATED 2022: Still one of the busiest spots in Rome I think, but beautiful and still some great spots for those all important photos. I'm glad we went back to see it again, but in 33 degree heat all I wanted to do was jump in the fountain. Lovely to sit on the steps opposite for a bit of lunch with a view - you can still admire the fountain but you're out the way of the crowds. Beautiful place, busy but plenty of places to get great photos!
Kate Mingay (16 months ago)
Beautiful and iconic. A must see. Was busy during the day, but we didn't have to wait long to get to the front. Went back at night hoping it would be quiet, for some nice night time photos, however it was still very busy at 10:30pm. So would suggest going very early instead.
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