Visiting the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy

The Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain, one of the most beautiful and famous fountains in all of Italy, is among Rome’s top tourist sites. Completed in 1762, after 30 years of construction, this stunning example of baroque architecture sits prominently in the Piazza di Trevi.

There are numerous fountains in Rome, but none as large and opulent as the Trevi Fountain. Measuring 85 feet high and 66 feet wide, the Trevi Fountain pours over 20 million gallons of water daily into its pool.

An Overwhelming Sight and Sound

The first time we went to the Trevi Fountain, we knew we were getting close because we could hear the running water before we could see it. When we finally entered the Piazza di Trevi, I believe our first reaction was wow, it’s absolutely huge and very bright and white.

The façade of the fountain is made entirely of beautiful white Travertine and came from the nearby town of Tivoli, which is located about 20 miles to the east of Rome. The statues are made primarily of Carrara marble.

The most common explanation for the origin of the word "Trevi" is that it’s from the Latin word Trivium, which indicates the crossing of three streets. The Piazza di Trevi does join three streets, which are the Via de’ Crocicchi, Via delle Muratte, and the Via Poli, so this theory does make sense.

Major Figures Depicted

When looking at the Trevi Fountain, the center is dominated by the statue of Oceanus, the god of all water. His shell-shaped chariot is being pulled by two sea horses that are being guided by two Tritons. This statue is the work of Pietro Bracci.

The 16-foot-high muscular body of Oceanus is standing under what is referred to as the triumphal arch. To the left of Oceanus is the statue of Abundance, while to his right stands the statue of Health. The water supplying the Trevi Fountain is from the Virgo Aqueduct system, which channels water over 20 kilometers from the Salone Springs. The Virgo Aqueduct system dates back to 19 BC and was used to supply water to the thermal baths of the Campus Martius located near the Pantheon.

Toss a Coin

The popular legend surrounding the Trevi Fountain is that if one tosses a coin into the fountain, then you are assured a return visit to Rome. This popular belief results in over 3,000 euro being tossed into the waters of the fountain every day.

The money is used to support a local supermarket for the needy of Rome. With that much money being tossed into the fountain, there are always those looking to steal the coins, so the local police keep an eye on the fountain to prevent thieves.

The Palazzo Poli

Many visitors to the Trevi Fountain often leave wondering what the building or backdrop to the fountain is. Well, it’s called the Palazzo Poli, otherwise known as the Poli Palace.

The Palazzo Poli is currently the home of the National Institute for Graphics and houses a world-renowned collection of copper engraving plates that date back to the 16th century.

Plan Your Visit

If you are traveling to Rome, you will certainly want to set aside some time to visit the Trevi Fountain. A visit to the fountain will only take as much time as you choose to spend there, and you can visit at any time of the day as the fountain stands in a public square.

The Piazza di Trevi can be a crowded place, especially during peak travel months, so be prepared and plan your visit for a non-peak time of the day. A visit at night while the fountain is all lit up can include a nice stroll through the historic district of Rome with the added benefit of fewer tourists at the fountain.

Enjoy your visit to Rome and the Trevi Fountain. Ciao for now.

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This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2012 Bill De Giulio

Comments

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on December 28, 2012:

Hi Thelma. I think you will find the Trevi Fountain pretty much the same from 10 years ago. The best way to see what has changed would be to make another trip there? Maybe someday soon?

Many thanks for stopping by and a very happy and healthy New year to you.

Thelma Alberts from Germany on December 28, 2012:

What a lovely place to visit again! I have tossed a coin into Trevis Fountain but until now I haven´t return. Well, maybe someday. Thanks for reminding me of this beautiful place in Rome. I wonder if the places I have visited in Rome have changed a lot after more than 10 years I have been there. Thanks for sharing, as well. Voted up and shared. BTW, I wish you a Happy New Year 2013.

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on May 14, 2012:

Thanks Nare. Appreciate you stopping by and commenting. Hopefully some day you'll get there and I'll be looking at your photos of the Fountain and Rome

Nare Gevorgyan on May 14, 2012:

Excellent hub! I like the creative photos so much :) Wish to see this fountain one day!

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on May 11, 2012:

Thanks Clive. Appreciate you stopping by.

Clive Donegal from En Route on May 10, 2012:

Very nicely done, and your pictures are much better than mine.

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on May 09, 2012:

Thanks everyone for the comments. It is a great spot to just sit and listen to the running water and soak in Rome. Never thought about jumping in but I'm sure it's been done. We threw a coin in so I'm sure we'll be back there again.

2uesday on May 09, 2012:

There is a delicatessen facing the Trevi that sells very nice food. The size of the statues in Rome's fountains are amazing, I think the scale of them adds to the drama of the fountains.

Claire from Norway on May 09, 2012:

I Love the Trevi and my son , daughter in law and I almost got to have a paddle in it.....with "permission". Long story, but Rome should be visited and visited again and again.

Jennifer Arnett from California on May 08, 2012:

How much would you pay to go swimming there? Don't try it. I heard you get arrested with a huge fine. The most beautiful fountain I've ever seen.

Melanie Chisnall from Cape Town, South Africa on May 08, 2012:

Thanks for the trip to Rome and the beautiful photographs! :) The Trevi fountain is gorgeous!

Sandra Busby from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA on May 08, 2012:

Great hub! Beautiful shots! Rome is such a wonderful city to visit and to write about. Thanks for SHARING.

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on May 08, 2012:

Hi Carter, Wish I was back there now also. There is so much to write about just in Rome. What a great city. Thanks so much for the nice comments and vote up. Ciao.

Mary from Cronulla NSW on May 08, 2012:

Fantastic hub and such great pictures...only thing better would be to be there...thanks for taking me back...

Up & awesome, cheers