Visiting the famous Trevi Fountain - Top Tips

By Megan Hills

An enduring icon of the Italian capital, the Trevi Fountain is a breathtaking piece of art that attracts millions to its waters every year. Learn more below...

If you’re planning a visit to Rome, chances are you’ve been inspired by many Hollywood films set here: Roman Holiday, La Dolce Vita and even The Lizzie McGuire Film if you’re a millennial. One thing all these three films have in common is that they all feature the most famous fountain in Rome, the Trevi Fountain.

Trevi Fountain Rome History

Dating all the way back to 19BC, this Rome water fountain is known to locals as Fontana di Trevi and persists as one of the capital’s most photographed sights. As a stunning example of Baroque art and architecture, it actually was created with a pragmatic purpose in mind - to round off an aqueduct and bring water to the townspeople. Nowadays however, it’s one of Rome’s biggest tourist draws and is always surrounded by people throwing coins into its depths. Constructed by Roman architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini, this Rome fountain pays homage to ancient Roman mythology with the god of the sea Neptune at its centre. Standing astride a shell chariot led by sea horses and flanked by allegorical statues of Abundance and Salubrity, it took nearly three centuries to complete and has changed over the years. However, the Rome Trevi Fountain has never looked better following a recent €2.2 million restoration process.

Trevi Fountain Location

If all roads lead to Rome, then most roads in Rome lead to the Trevi Fountain. Located in the heart of the city nearby the Via Del Tritone, it sits proudly in the centre of Piazza di Trevi. Easily accessible from the Barberini Metro station, it’s also just a few steps from another famous Roman sight: the Spanish Steps.

Best time to visit the Trevi Fountain

As one of Rome’s most popular attractions, the Trevi Fountain is always packed with people daily. For budding photographers seeking an emptier shot and those leery of crowds, it’s best to head here early in the morning to see it in daylight. The Rome fountain completely changes at night, when lights are switched on to illuminate the ivory sculptures for a totally different and atmospheric experience. Wander here after dinner when the crowds have abated for a unique experience after the rest of the tourist pack have retired to their hotels for the night.

Attractions nearby the Trevi Fountain

As one of the most centrally located attractions in Rome, the Trevi Fountain is within walking distance of many iconic landmarks in the capital. The Spanish Steps are the closest by alongside Villa Borghese and its famous gallery a little further along in that direction, while the heading in the opposite direction will take you towards the Pantheon and even the Roman Forum if you’re up for a bit of a walk.

Trevi Fountain Legend

If you’re heading to Trevi Fountain, remember to bring some change. The most popular legend surrounding this famous fountain in Rome dates all the way back to ancient times, granting travellers to the city a safe return to the capital. It’s said that if you turn your back to the fountain and throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder, you will be certain to return to Rome in the future. Chances are you’ll spot lots of other tourists doing the same thing and to be honest, who doesn’t want to come back to Rome? Fans of the film Three Coins in the Trevi Fountain may already be aware of the other legend surrounding the fountain, which also builds on the coin-throwing practice. As the title of the film suggests, visitors should throw three coins into the fountain as the first guarantees safe passage, the second a new romance and the third a successful marriage. Even if you’re not particularly superstitious, participating in the harmless tradition of throwing a coin into the fountain actually helps the city. The money from the fountain is collected daily and it is said 3000 Euros are thrown in a day, with proceeds going towards charities that help people in need.

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Things to see and do in Villa Borghese

Villa Borghese is one of Rome’s most popular parks and, endearingly, shaped like a heart. Nestled right in the centre of the city – aptly – it’s accessible from the top of the biggest shopping street, where Via del Corso meets Piazza del Popolo, and through the impressive marble pillar gates off the once exclusive, Via Veneto. So it’s on point for location. For a bit of context, originally, Villa Borghese was one of Cardinal Scipione Borghese’s many private vineyards surrounding his villa and was later turned into a park in 1605. Its sweeping natural and English-classic landscape, as we see today, was not actually in its initial design but was changed in the 1800s to fit in with the fashions of the time. The English heritage architecture and ponds provide a romantic backdrop to your park life, with the Lake Garden and Plain of Oaks to be enjoyed; there’s so much to see and do that you could easily spend all day there. Why not rent a row boat and row across the lake, or feed the ducks with your kids? There’s plenty of other places to explore in Villa Borghese; there’s a reason it’s dubbed the park of museums by locals. Full of cultural outlets to discover Rome’s rich history of art, sculpture and all things ‘refined’ there’s a tiny cinema, a prestigious art gallery and museum and even a zoo. Il Cinema dei Piccoli – The Tiny Cinema This little green house in the heart of Villa Borghese is a must-see for the kids – and is the smallest cinema in the world, according to the Guinness World Book of Records. With afternoon screenings of kid’s films and evening showings of adult popular culture it’s a great one if you’re semi-fluent in Italian as all the films are dubbed. With no subtitles. Even if you don’t stay for a screening, it’s a fun place to stick your head through the door if anything. Viale della Pineta, 15 (+39 06 8553485) Wednesday to Friday 5pm and 6:30pm; Saturday and Sunday 3:30pm, 5pm and 6:30pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Teatro Marionette San Carlino – San Carlino Puppet Theatre Indulge in Italy’s version of Punch and Judy and take your little ones over to the Marionette Theatre, or theatre of the puppets. In true Colombina and Pulcinello style, watch this puppet show throughout the week in this small theatre with hand painted backdrops and props. Viale dei Bambini, Pincio (+39 06 3335320) Bookings are necessary. Bioparco di Roma – Rome Conservation Zoo 106 years old, Rome’s Zoo has undergone huge transformations over the years from its original Hagenbeck design (where cages were replaced with large pits) to now a well-respected zoological conservation with numerous enclosures of a wide range of exotic animals. It’s a great place to spend a few hours and stroll around the lions, giraffes and Bengal tigers – and there are plenty of interactive exhibitions for the kids to get involved with, especially if you catch some of the feeding shows too. Viale del Giardino Zoologico, 20 (+39 06 360 8211) Galleria Borghese – Borghese Gallery This famous gallery was once a collection by the Borghese family that dates back 2,000 years. There’s an eclectic mix of items and artefacts within the museum and gallery that spans 2,000 years, through the Renaissance period and up to contemporary exhibitions. It’s the largest collection of private art in the world and features masterpieces from Caravaggio, Raphael, Botticelli and Bernini. Piazzale del Museo , Borghese, 5 (+39 06 32810) Free entry with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass but you must pre-book an allocated entry time before you arrive. Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 18:00 – Saturdays, 9:00 to 13:00
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Our Guide to the Borghese Gallery: Don't Miss Out

Feeling artsy? Check out our guide to the Borghese Gallery See some of the world's most significant pieces of art at Villa Borghese, where the family that the villa is named for cultivated one of the world's most impressive art collections. From early Caravaggios to Bernini's most breathtaking sculptures, there's lots to see here - make sure you see the highlights with our guide to the Borghese Gallery below. David with the Head of Goliath It should come as no surprise that this dark piece of work comes from the mind of Caravaggio, one of the greatest Baroque artists of all time. As with all of his works, the play of light and shadows is one of the most striking things about it. Beyond its biblical references to the story of David slaying the giant Goliath, it's also an allegory for Caravaggio himself who gifted this to Pope Borghese to ask for a murder pardon. Apollo and Daphne These gorgeous sculptures were crafted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, a Baroque artist that grew to prominence in the 1600s. These mythological and romantic statues were actually crafted for Scipione Borghese, the founder of the Borghese Gallery - and Bernini was just 24 when he made them. Young Sick Bacchus While this portrait of the Greek god Bacchus has strong mythological ties, Caravaggio actually based it off of his own likeness and is one of his earliest self-portraits. Painted in the dark Baroque style the artist was renowned for, its said that it reflects Caravaggio's own illness for which he was hospitalised for several months. The Rape of Persephone The virtuoso sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini's work fills the halls of Galleria Borghese and The Rape of Persephone is perhaps one of his most visited. Crafted by the artist at just 23 years old, the work depicts the goddess Persephone fighting off the god Hades who eventually steals her away to the underworld to be his wife. It was commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese and while it moved around a bit in its lifetime, it eventually found its way back to the Borghese family in the early 1900s. Venus Victrix It's hard to believe this sculpture is hewn out of marble, as the artist Antonio Canova's work seems as though it is set to take a deep breath and come to life any second. This is one of the most famous sculptures in the Borghese Gallery and has strong historical precedence as well, as the semi-nude was actually based on Pauline Bonaparte - yes, that Bonaparte. (She was Napoleon's sister.) Sacred and Profane Love When discussing the masters of the Borghese Gallery, it's impossible for Titian's name and this particular painting to come up. As one of his earliest outstanding pieces, the contrast between the two women - one clothed and one bare naked - has been highly debated and meaning read and reread into everything from their composition, to their posture, to even what they're holding in their hands. The Deposition Also known famously as The Entombment, this biblical work by a young Raphael exemplifies the best of his early training, including his skills gained from Florentine masters. While the subject matter - the entombment of Christ following his crucifixion - isn't particularly original or groundbreaking, the choice of scene was very left field at the time and proof of his originality.
Megan Hills
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Tour of Rome's Street Art and Graffiti

Although Rome’s Street Art scene is less renowned than say that of LA, London or Berlin, the alternative graffiti culture is growing year on year. In an emerging scene with new artists spreading their wings – or spraying their cans – across the city, Rome’s the one-to-watch. Walking through the streets of the city, from the historical centre to the student hub, there are colloquial murals everywhere from in-your-face takeovers to blink-and-you-miss-it icons. With a wealth of undiscovered and underappreciated artists, huge inroads have been made to legalise walls for people to practice their craft. Although some disapprove; you can’t deny that it’s a step in the right direction when it comes to embracing regulated new forms of expression. Although you won’t find much real street art in the tourist hubs in Rome (bored adolescent graffiti doesn’t count) you’ll be more successful widening your search out to the more local areas around railways lines and under bridges, in and around Trastevere, Pigneto and San Lorenzo districts. To get a flavour of what Rome has to offer, the MondoPop Gallery, near the Spanish Steps, exhibits some of the best street artists on the scene, both from Rome and internationally. You'll get a flavour of what the city has to offer and even spot some names you’ll recognise dotted around the streets afterwards. San Lorenzo, the student hub, is rife with impressive colourful murals and messages from the city’s creative undergraduates. It’s often the place artists start out before moving up to other districts. Walk under the Scalo di San Lorenzo and via dei Volsci for a look at Rome’s budding artists. Also, on Via dei Sabelli you’ll see Alice Pasquini’s work, too. Head to Volturno, near Termini station, if you want to get really involved and see how it’s done. Pigneto is the chosen area for many of Rome’s top artists. Walk through these cobbled streets and uncover the new world; Rome’s modern, urban undercurrent amidst the historical district. Look out for the signatures Hogre, Alt97, Uno, Hopnn and #cancelletto# as they take Pigneto as their turf, claiming walls and surfaces as their canvasses. Take it all in, the next time you visit they might not be there – not every Roman is as pro the urbanisation of their city as others. Check out the former cinemas Preneste for other spellbinding designs, too. Ostienese is now host to the Outdoor Festival and 999 Contemporary art shows which invite like-minded artists from around the world to show in their city. These shows encourage artists to share and paint legal walls to inspire the industry to grow. Blu is considered one of the most famous Italian artists in the world; and he can’t pass through the area without adorning it with one of his signature pieces. Look out for his Porto Fluviale, his most recent addition. Trastevere although both a local and tourist mecca, has recently become the host to new works by Omino71 and Mr. Klevra – so look out the next time you’re across the river. Whether you’re for or against Street Art, you should be able to appreciate Rome’s changing urban landscape. Street art and graffiti highlight the juxtaposition between the old and new so it's only fair that Rome is allowed to keep up with its capital counterparts in terms of artistic expression.
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