Nicola Salvi's Baroque masterpiece — 26 meters high, carved into the facade of Palazzo Poli. Neptune, tritons, and allegories of abundance carved in Travertine marble. The coins thrown in generate over a million euros annually, donated to charity.
Location
Trevi, Rome
Map
Insider Intel
Visit at dawn (6am in summer) or after 11pm to experience the fountain without the crowd wall. The sculptural detail requires proximity — try to get close to the balustrade. Toss a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand if you believe in the legend (return to Rome). The coins are collected daily by the city.
Early morning or very late evening. Midday and evening are unbearable — the piazza is small and gets overwhelmed. The fountain is illuminated at night, which is stunning if you can tolerate the density.
Completed in 1762 after 30 years of construction. The fountain marks the terminal point of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, built in 19 BC and still functional. The water you see comes from springs 20km outside Rome. The Three Coins in the Fountain (1954) and La Dolce Vita (1960) cemented its status as a cinematic icon. Sitting on the steps is now prohibited and fined. Over-touristed, yes — but the artistry is undeniable.