Hotels near Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is the largest baroque fountain in Rome and a fixed stop on every itinerary. Designed by Nicola Salvi and completed in 1762, the 26-metre-high travertine sculpture depicts Oceanus riding a shell-shaped chariot drawn by sea horses through the façade of Palazzo Poli. The water still arrives via the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, originally built in 19 BC and one of the few ancient Roman aqueducts still in operation.

Tradition has it that throwing a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand into the basin guarantees your return to Rome. Around €3,000 is collected from the fountain each day and donated to Caritas, which uses it to fund a supermarket for Rome's needy. The piazza is open 24 hours.

Pro Tip: Come back at midnight or just before dawn if you want photos without crowds. By 9:00 AM the entire square fills with visitors and police presence to enforce no-sitting and no-eating rules.