Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps: history and curiosities
Few places in the world evoke the image of Rome like the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. They are two absolute symbols of the Eternal City, just a few minutes apart on foot, each with its own unique history, architecture, and charm. This guide exploresTrevi Fountain and Spanish Stepsin depth: origins, legends, hidden curiosities, best times to visit, and tips for experiencing these places while avoiding crowds and tourist traps.
Trevi Fountain: the Baroque heart of Rome
The Trevi Fountain is the most famous fountain in the world. Standing 26 meters tall and 49 meters wide, it unfolds on the facade of Palazzo Poli, creating a breathtaking theater of water and stone.
History of the Trevi Fountain
The water that flows from the fountain comes from theVirgin Water, an aqueduct built in 19 BC by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, the son-in-law of Emperor Augustus. Legend has it that Roman soldiers, in search of water for the baths, were guided by a young virgin to the spring (hence the name "Virgin Water").
However, the current fountain is much later. In 1629, Pope Urban VIII commissioned Gian Lorenzo Bernini to design a monumental fountain, but the work was halted due to lack of funds. It was only in 1732 that Pope Clement XII announced a competition, won byNicola Salvi. The work lasted 30 years and was completed in 1762 by Giuseppe Pannini.
Architecture and symbolism
The fountain is an allegory of the ocean and the power of water. In the center,Ocean(the god of the sea) rides a shell-shaped chariot pulled by two winged horses: one docile (symbolizing the calm of the sea) and one agitated (symbolizing the fury of storms). On the sides, two female statues represent Abundance and Health. Above them, four allegorical statues symbolize the seasons. In the upper niches, bas-reliefs tell the story of the Virgin Water.
The legend of the coin
The most famous ritual associated with the Trevi Fountain is the coin toss. The tradition says:
One coin(with the right hand over the left shoulder, facing away from the fountain) guarantees a return to Rome.
Two coinslead to a new love story.
Three coinsensure marriage (or divorce, according to some variations).
The ritual originated with the film "Three Coins in the Fountain" (1954) by Jean Negulesco. Today, about 1.5 million euros are collected from the coins each year. The proceeds are donated to Caritas for solidarity initiatives (social supermarkets, help for the homeless).
How many coins are thrown each day?
About 3,000 euros a day, especially on weekends and during peak season.
Curiosities about the Trevi Fountain that you may not know
The fountain was hidden:until 2015 it was partially covered by scaffolding for restoration. The last major restoration (2.2 million euros) was funded by Fendi.
The keyhole:If you look through the keyhole of the main door of Palazzo Poli (to the right of the fountain), you will see a small hidden fountain inside the courtyard.
The cinema:In addition to the famous film from 1954, the fountain appears in Fellini's "La Dolce Vita" (the night scene with Anita Ekberg and Marcello Mastroianni) and in "Lizzie McGuire" (2003).
Drinking water:The water from the fountain is drinkable (it comes from the Acqua Vergine), but it is prohibited to drink it directly from the basin. There is a small drinking fountain on the right where you can drink for free.
Fine for those who get wet:It is prohibited to bathe, sit on the edge, or eat near the fountain. The fine ranges from €250 to €500.
Coin thieves:Every night, the sanitation workers (AMA) vacuum the coins with a hose. Someone has tried to steal them, but it is illegal.
Hours and when to visit the Trevi Fountain
The fountain is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for free. However, some times are better than others.
| Time | Crowd level | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 - 8:00 | Low | Magical, only a few photographers |
| 9:00 - 11:00 | Very high | Lines to get close, impossible selfies |
| 12:00 - 16:00 | Extreme | Absolutely avoid |
| 17:00 - 19:00 | High | Improves, but still a lot of people |
| 22:00 - 0:00 | Medium | Night lighting, less crowd |
| 1:00 - 5:00 | Very low | Only night owls, but be careful about safety |
Tip:go at 7:00 AM on a weekday (Tuesday or Wednesday). You will find only about ten people.
How to reach the Trevi Fountain
Metro A:Barberini stop (5 minutes on foot). Exit onto Via Veneto, then Via Tritone.
Bus:lines 51, 52, 53, 62, 63, 71, 80, 83, 85, 160, 170, 492, 590 (Tritone/Trevi Fountain stop).
On foot:from Piazza di Spagna (10 minutes), from the Pantheon (8 minutes), from Piazza Venezia (12 minutes).
Piazza di Spagna: the Roman living room
Just 500 meters from the Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna is one of the most elegant and photographed public spaces in the world. Its name comes from the Spanish embassy to the Holy See, which has overlooked the square since 1647.
History of Piazza di Spagna
The square was created in the 17th century as a meeting place for diplomats, artists, and travelers of the Grand Tour. In the 18th century, it became the center of cosmopolitan Rome, frequented by poets like John Keats (who died in the house on the steps) and Percy Bysshe Shelley.
The most famous element is theSpanish Steps, designed by Francesco De Sanctis and built between 1723 and 1726. It connects the lower square with the French church of Trinità dei Monti. It has 135 steps (not 138 as is often believed).
The Barcaccia Fountain
In the center of the square, right in front of the steps, is theBarcaccia Fountain(1627-1629), a work by Pietro Bernini (father of the more famous Gian Lorenzo) with the help of his son. It has the shape of a semi-sunken boat. The legend says it was inspired by a boat that the Tiber, in flood, left right at this point in 1598. The water flows out at low pressure, simulating a boat that is slowly sinking.
Trinità dei Monti
The church at the top of the staircase isTrinità dei Monti(1495-1585), in French Gothic style (rare in Rome). Inside, there are frescoes and the famous "Descent of the Holy Spirit" (circa 1540). The terrace in front of the church offers one of the most famous views of Rome, with Piazza di Spagna and via del Babuino fading into the horizon.
The Column of the Immaculate
On the left side of the square (facing the staircase), there is theColumn of the Immaculate(1857), topped by the statue of the Virgin. Every year, on December 8th (Feast of the Immaculate Conception), the Pope comes here to pay homage to the statue and lay a wreath of flowers.
The shopping streets: the Trident
From Piazza di Spagna, three streets in the shape of a trident (hence the name) branch out:
Via dei Condotti:the street of luxury (Gucci, Prada, Bulgari, Valentino, Ferragamo). Also the famous Caffè Greco (1760), frequented by Goethe, Stendhal, Byron, and Casanova.
Via Frattina:jewelry stores and high fashion shops.
Via del Babuino:antique shops and art galleries.
Curiosities about Piazza di Spagna
The name "Babuino":Via del Babuino takes its name from a fountain with a satyr (called "babuino" because it is ugly). It was the "talking statue" of Rome, where citizens would hang anonymous satires against the Pope.
The Keats-Shelley House:on the staircase (to the right as you go up), at number 26, is the house where John Keats died in 1821. Today it is a museum dedicated to English Romantic poets (entrance 6 €).
No sitting allowed:since 2019 it has been prohibited to sit on the steps of the staircase. The local police fines those who sit or eat (up to 400 €).
The fashion show:every year, the staircase is used as a runway by designers (e.g. Bulgari, Fendi, Valentino) during Haute Couture.
The first McDonald's in Rome:opened right in Piazza di Spagna in 1986. After protests, it was closed and today there is a Zara store.
The staircase is older than the fountain:the staircase was completed in 1726, the Barcaccia is from 1629. The fountain is older.
Hours and when to visit Piazza di Spagna
The square is accessible 24 hours a day. The staircase is lit all night.
| Time | Crowd level | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 - 8:30 | Low | Ideal for photos without anyone |
| 10:00 - 13:00 | Very high | Avoid, just crowds |
| 15:00 - 18:00 | Medium | Best for shopping |
| 20:00 - 23:00 | Medium-low | Romantic, lights on |
Advice:early in the morning (7:00) or after dinner (10:00 PM). At 10:00 PM the staircase is almost empty and the fountain is illuminated.
How to reach Piazza di Spagna
Metro A:Spagna station (exit directly onto the square). It is the most beautiful station in Rome for the displayed archaeological furnishings.
Bus:lines 117, 119, 590 (Spagna stop).
Walking route between the Trevi Fountain and Piazza di Spagna
The two places are only 500 meters apart (6 minutes on foot). Here is the best route:
Start from theTrevi Fountain(go early, at 7:30).
Takevia dei Crociferi(to the left of the fountain).
Turn ontovia del Tritone(main road).
At the traffic light, cross and takevia Due Macelli.
You arrive atPiazza di Spagna(left side of the staircase).
Total walking time:6-8 minutes.
Where to eat near the Trevi Fountain and Piazza di Spagna (without spending a fortune)
The areas around the two monuments are full of tourist traps. Here’s where to go.
Near the Trevi Fountain (5 minutes on foot)
Pane e Salame(Via di Santa Maria in Via, 19): sandwiches with excellent cold cuts, 6-8 €. Small, line.
Gelateria Valentino(Via del Lavatore, 96): artisanal ice cream at fair prices (3-4 €). Don't fall for the ice cream shops with colorful mountains.
Caffè Roma(Via di Santa Maria in Via, 67): breakfast at the counter at normal prices (coffee €1.10, croissant €1.20).
Near Piazza di Spagna (5 minutes on foot)
Pompi(Via della Croce, 88): famous for tiramisu (€5 per cup) and pastries.
La Salumeria(Piazza di Spagna, 50): gourmet sandwiches (€8-10), takeout.
Pastificio Guerra(Via della Croce, 8): fresh pasta for takeout, hot dish for €6. Line but fast.
What to absolutely avoid
Restaurants with waiters calling out to passersby (menu with photos).
Ice cream shops with cones 50 cm tall covered in colored cream.
Bars without displayed price lists (at the register you pay €10 for a coffee).
Mistakes to avoid at the Trevi Fountain and Piazza di Spagna
Bathing in the fountain– hefty fine (up to €500).
Sitting on the steps– fine from €150 to €400.
Buying roses from street vendors– they say "gift", then ask for €10.
Getting your portrait drawn by caricaturists– they agree on a price (€5) but then ask for €20 for the frame.
Going at noon– impossible crowd, excessive heat, lines.
Believing in improvised "private tours"– they are unlicensed.
Frequently asked questions about the Trevi Fountain and Piazza di Spagna
Is the Trevi Fountain always accessible?
Yes, 24 hours a day. Sometimes it is partially covered by scaffolding for restoration (check the official website before you go).
Can you still throw a coin?
Yes, but you must throw it in the main basin. Throwing coins in the side basins is not allowed.
Are the coins stolen?
Every night they are legally vacuumed by the AMA. Stealing them is a crime. In 2016, a homeless person was arrested with €3,000 in coins.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, but do not let it drink from the fountain (fine) and do not allow it to climb on the edge.
How much time is needed to visit both places?
With the crowd, 30-40 minutes (15 minutes per monument + moving time). Without the crowd (early morning), 20 minutes.
What is the best spot to photograph the Trevi Fountain?
On the left (facing the fountain), by climbing up the small raised sidewalk. Shoot backlit in the early morning.
What is the best spot to photograph the Spanish Steps?
At the top of the steps (in front of the church), framing towards the fountain and Via Condotti.
Are the steps accessible for disabled people?
No, there are no ramps. Access to the underlying square is flat. The church at the top has a vehicle entrance from Via Sistina.
Are there public restrooms nearby?
Yes, at the Spagna metro station (paid, €1) or at Caffè Greco (mandatory purchase).
Is it true that if you throw the coin with the wrong hand it doesn't work?
Tradition says: turn your back to the fountain, throw the coin with yourright handover yourleft shoulder. The value of the coin does not matter.
FAQ
What is the history of the name "Trevi"?
It derives from "trivium" (three ways), because the fountain is located at the intersection of three streets.
In which films has the Trevi Fountain appeared?
In addition to "La Dolce Vita" and "Three Coins in the Fountain", also "Il Ciclone" (1996), "Il Presidente" (2014), and "Wonder" (2017).
Can I drink the water from the Trevi Fountain?
No, it is prohibited to approach the basin. But to the right of the fountain, there is a nose fountain (small fountain) with the same water, where you can drink.
How many visitors per day?
About 1,500 people per hour during peak times, up to 15,000 per day.
What happens to the coins in the Trevi Fountain?
They go to Caritas Roma. Since 2016, over 15 million euros have been collected.
Has the Spanish Steps always been there?
No, before 1723 there was only a steep grassy slope.
Which building has the Spanish flag?
Palazzo di Spagna (on the square, left side facing the steps). Today it houses the Embassy of Spain to the Holy See.
Can you climb the steps at night?
Yes, it is always open and lit. After midnight it is almost deserted, but there are police checks.
Two must-see stops.
The Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps are two must-see stops for anyone visiting Rome. The former enchants with its baroque majesty and the coin-throwing ritual, while the latter fascinates with the elegance of the staircase and the cosmopolitan atmosphere. To experience them at their best, choose less crowded times (early morning or late evening), avoid tourist traps, respect the rules (do not sit on the steps, do not bathe in the fountain), and be surprised by the curiosities that few know. With a little planning, these two symbols will give you unforgettable memories.
For a complete picture that also includes the Colosseum, Vatican, Trastevere, transportation, costs, and much more, explore the complete guide that takes you through every corner of the Eternal City.
Revision date:March 15, 2026