Trevi Fountain Monument

Address: Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain), Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Hours: Public access 24 hours; best visited daytime

Admission: Free (public monument/square)

The Trevi Fountain is a monumental Baroque fountain in Rome’s Trevi district, famed for its sculptural ensemble and large scale. The fountain’s central figure is Oceanus flanked by allegorical horses and tritons; the composition stands about 26.3 metres high and 49.15 metres wide.

Visitors come for the dramatic façade, the sculptural detail and the coin-throwing tradition that sends coins into the basin. The fountain is set against the Palazzo Poli and is best viewed from the narrow square in front of it; it is often busy and photogenic at night when it is lit.

The current fountain design dates to the 18th century, having been started by Nicola Salvi in 1732 and completed by Pietro Bracci in 1762. It was built at the terminal of the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct and has been conserved and restored several times since the 18th century.

Located where three city streets converge at the foot of the Quirinale hill, the fountain sits within walking distance of the Spanish Steps and central Rome attractions. The site is pedestrian-only and often crowded, especially in daytime.

• Coin toss tradition: A single coin thrown over the left shoulder with the right hand is said to ensure a return to Rome; there is a well-established collection scheme and the coins are donated to charity.

Take Rome Metro Line A to Barberini station and walk about 5-7 minutes via Via del Tritone and Via delle Muratte to the Trevi Fountain (Piazza di Trevi). From Roma Termini station it’s a 15-20 minute walk (about 1-1.5 km) or a short bus/taxi ride into the historic centre.

• Visit very early in the morning (before 8:00) or late at night when the fountain is lit-these are the times with far fewer tourists and better photo opportunities without obstructing crowds.
• Approach the fountain via side streets such as Via dei Crociferi or Via della Stamperia to avoid the heaviest flow from Piazza di Trevi and to find calmer viewing spots.
• Be aware that climbing onto the fountain and swimming are prohibited and enforced by local police; the coins thrown into the basin are collected regularly for charity, so use the central viewpoint briefly and step back to let others view.