Visiting The Trevi Fountain
A Practical Guide For Those Planning On Visiting Independently
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The Trevi Fountain |
The Trevi fountain is the most famous of all the fountains in Rome attracting most first time visitors as a 'must see'.
It is situated in the heart of the city centre, crammed in among a maze of narrow streets and alleys. All of a sudden you round a corner and it is there, right in front of you. There are a few rows of barriers/steps, stadium style around the fountain for spectators.
Most people don't stay too long, although it has many of the hallmarks of a tourist trap most people seem to enjoy their visit, Evening is a great time to visit prior to finding somewhere to eat in the maze of streets all around.
The Ancient City |
The Serious Tourist Stuff - What Is The Trevi Fountain?
The Trevi fountain is at the end of an aqueduct constructed in 19 BC to bring water to Rome from around 20kms away that supplies the fountains in the historic centre of Rome with water.
The current Trevi fountain was designed as a large basin in a semicircular shape sunk slightly below pavement level. This creates a natural amphitheatre for visitors. Although there is always a crowd hanging around, its normally good natured and you should get a good vantage point.
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The fountain has had several versions. It took three centuries to complete and is often attributed to Bernini, but for the most part it is the work of the Roman architect, Nicola Salvi.
The central figure of the fountain, in front of a large niche, is Neptune, god of the sea. He is riding a chariot in the shape of a shell, pulled by two sea horses. Each sea horse is guided by a Triton. One of the horses is calm and obedient, the other one restive. They symbolise the fluctuating moods of the sea.
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Trevi Fountain Coins |
On the left hand side of Neptune is a statue representing Abundance, the statue on the right represents Salubrity. The water at the bottom of the fountain represents the sea. Legend has it you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the water.
You should toss it over your shoulder with your back to the fountain. Approximately €2000 is thrown into the Trevi Fountain each week and the coins are collected at night, and used to subsidise a supermarket for Rome's poor population.
Getting To The Trevi Fountain
The narrow streets of Ancient Rome where you find the Trevi Fountain are far too narrow for buses to come up to the fountain itself. All the popular hop on, hop off sightseeing buses have a stop a few minutes walk, but stops do vary from line to line, some are much closer than others.
The Via Del Tritone is less than a hundred yards from the Trevi Fountain and at last count 15 Rome city buses run along here to and from Barberini.
The Trevi Fountain is in the heart of the city centre and is best approached by foot from another attraction, possibly the Pantheon or the Spanish Steps, both signposted for pedestrians. Spagana (Spanish Steps) and Barberini are the nearest Metro stations.
Free Self Guided Walks From/To Trevi Fountain
There really is only one way of exploring the ancient city centre of Rome and that's to walk.
Not only is walking the most practical way of visiting all the sights in the ancient city centre its also by far the most rewarding way.
For those who want to explore at their own pace then we have a few free reference walks that connect some of the most famous sights visitors want to see on their visit to Rome. Pick-up a good guide book that can explain what you are seeing and you have the recipe for a great independent adventure.
Free Self Guided Walk - Spanish Steps To/From Trevi Fountain
Free Self Guided Walk - Trevi Fountain To/From Piazza Navona Via The Pantheon
Professional Walking Tours That Take In The Trevi Fountain
Ancient Rome where the Trevi Fountain is, is located in a maze of narrow lanes waiting to be explored. You seem to make another discovery around every corner.
Some people like to strike out independently clutching a good guide book, others just want to take in the atmosphere.
If you are really interested in understanding what you are witnessing then a local guide can show you the best of what there is to see and also offer someone to bounce of ideas for further exploration. There are many walking tours available. Below are two that take in the Trevi Fountain.
| Popular Tours & Tickets In Rome |
Vatican Tours & Fast Track Tickets |
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Vatican Museums Fast Track Tickets €35.00 Fast track admission to Vatican Museum |
Vatican Museums Fast Track + Small Group Tour €61.50 Fast track admission Vatican Museum + Guided Tour |
Vatican Museums Fast Track Guided Tour €61.00 3 hour tour in English plus hotel pickups |
St Peter's Basilica Fastrack plus guided tour €25.00 Small group tour, maximum 20 people |
Vatican Complete (St Peter's + Museums) From €61.50 3 hour guided walking tour with Fast Track |
Audience With The Pope €37.00 Attending Wednesday audience with transfers |
Ancient Rome Walking Tours (Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi...) |
Colosseum & Roman Forum €52.00/€55.00 Daily half day walking tour. am and pm |
Colosseum & Roman Forum (Segway Tour) €75.00 3 hour tour by Segway machine |
Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon,Trevi €30.00 3 hour walking tour. Morning or Afternoon |
Spanish Steps, Pantheon,Trevi,Navona €39.00 3 hour afternoon walking tour |
Villa Borghese Gallery |
Villa Borghese Fast Track Tickets €30.00 Fast track admission ticket for a 2 hour slot |
Villa Borghese & Gardens €46.00 2 hour tour of gallery + 1 hour gardens tour |
Other Popular City Of Rome Tours |
Dan Brown 'Angels & Demons' Tour €56.00 4 hr walking tour inspired by the Dan Brown novel |
Best Of Rome Coach Tour €39.00/€92.00 Half or Full Day coach tour of main sights |
Roman Gladiator Lesson From €55.00 2 hour lesson in becoming a Roman Gladiator |
Night Tours Of Rome €30.00/€41.00 Choice - walking or coach tour of Rome by night |
Private Car & Driver |
4 hour customised Rome tour €210.00-€378.00 Price per Mercedes vehicle (1 to 8 passengers) |
8 hour customised Rome tour €378.00-€567.00 Price per Mercedes vehicle (1 to 8 passengers) |
