Rome is the city of fountains, so it's no wonder you'll find the most beautiful in the world. At least in my opinion, it certainly is.

The Fontana di Trevi is a fountain over 20 metres wide and 26 metres high, set in the dense urban fabric of the small Piazza di Trevi.

The 1762 Baroque structure attracts so many tourists that you'll stand in line for minutes in the summer months just to get to the edge of the fountain in the first place.

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A world-class Baroque gem

The first small fountain was built on this site in 1453, but the current form of the fountain dates back to the late 18th century, designed by architect Nicola Salvi.

The water flow into the fountain is interestingly designed, flowing through an underground canal built by Marcus Vispanius Agrippa in 19 BC.

The Trevi Fountain has a late Baroque form with a transition to Classicism.

It is decorated with a large statue of Neptune standing on a shell in the centre, statues symbolizing Abundance and Health in the niches, and four statues representing the seasons around them.

Is it necessary to pay for a ticket?

Not for me.

From 2026 onwards, you have to pay an entrance fee to the gallery closest to the fountain (the lower terrace, where you are right next to the fountain).

Paid admission

• 2 eur (payment can only be made by card and not by cash)
• maximum 400 people at any one time (during the day there are queues of about 15-30 minutes, the shortest are in the morning and late evening)
• 9:00-22:00 (the gallery is free outside these hours)
  • on Mondays and Fridays only from 11:30

Tickets can be bought online at fontanaditrevi.roma.it. It can only be bought for a specific date and not for an exact time.

Buying an online ticket usually saves you a maximum of 5 minutes in line.

Queue at Via della Stamperia at the eastern end of the fountain (see exact location on the map).

Free entry

You can also see the fountain clearly from Piazza di Trevi, which is accessible for free 24/7.

You just have to allow for large crowds, but again, you don't have to wait in line to get in.

My experience

I tried both options.

Next time I wouldn't waste time waiting in the queue and either get up and go to the gallery before 9:00 or take pictures of the fountain only from the public square.

Photo comparison: free vs. paid view

I'm attaching my own photos to give you an idea.

Paid terrace

Free view from the square

Would I recommend a visit to the Trevi Fountain?

You have to take into account that it is one of the most crowded places in Rome.

✅ Yes, if:

• you want to visit iconic places
• you love "instagram" spots
• you are a lover of incredibly beautiful and unique architecture

❌ More likely not, if:

• you don't like extreme crowds
• you prefer to explore the lesser-known places in Rome

💡 Alternative:
Rome is the city of fountains. There are hundreds of them in the city. My favourite was the much quieter Fontana dell'Acqua Paola under the Gianicolo lookout.

The location of the fountain

The fountain can be found right in the centre of Rome just a few steps from the Quirinal Palace and about 200 metres from the Pantheon.

The nearest metro station is Barberibni on the A line about 250 meters northeast.

Hotels overlooking the fountain

If you want to have an unobstructed view of the Trevi Fountain right from your room, there are two accommodations to choose from right on the square.

Prices for rooms with a view range from 400 eur per night.

• Hotel Fontana ***
• Trevi Luxury Maison

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