Fountains in Rome

The fountains of Rome, like the city's churches and palaces, mosques and villas, were built in classical forms inspired by the great architects of the Italian Renaissance. As works of art, many fountains received great attention from Popes and other nobles who wanted to leave their mark on Rome. Most of the famous fountains in Rome are turned on from mid-morning until sunset. The hours may vary slightly depending on the season, but in general, you will have plenty of time to enjoy them during your visit. The Trevi Fountain is one of the most popular fountains of Rome and is definitely worth a visit. Make sure to throw a coin into the fountain – legend has it that it will ensure your return to Rome! If you’re looking for a more unique fountain experience, head to the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi in Piazza Navona and for something a little more low-key, check out the Fountain of Neptune in Piazza Barberini. This fountain is smaller than some of the others on this list, but its impressive sculpture and beautiful setting make it worth a visit. No matter which fountains you decide to see, you’re sure to be impressed by Rome’s wealth of history and culture.

Famous Fountains in Rome, Italy

Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain)
Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain)

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in Rome and is a must-see for any visitor to the city. The fountain is located in the Trevi district, which takes its name from the Latin word for "three roads," and is situated at the junction of three streets. The fountain was designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and completed in 1762. It is decorated with sculptures by Italian artists Giovanni Battista Maini, Pietro Bracci, Filippo Della Valle, Andrea Bergondi, and Francesco Navagna.

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome and is a popular spot for visitors to make wishes. According to legend, if you throw a coin into the fountain, you will be guaranteed a return trip to Rome. The fountain is also featured prominently in the classic 1954 Hollywood film "Roman Holiday" starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.

Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers)
Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers)

The Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, or Fountain of the Four Rivers, is one of beautiful fountains to visit in Rome. Situated in the city's busy Piazza Navona, the fountain was designed by famed Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini and completed in 1651. The fountain is a striking Baroque work, depicting four river gods – the Nile, Ganges, Danube and Plate – each standing atop a granite obelisk. The gods are surrounded by lush flora and fauna, with the entire work flanked by two larger-than-life statues of winged lions.

Fontana delle Tartarughe (Turtle Fountain)
Fontana delle Tartarughe (Turtle Fountain)

The Fontana delle Tartarughe, or Turtle Fountain, is one of Rome's earliest Baroque fountains designed in 1658 by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the preeminent sculptor and architect of his day. The centrepiece of the fountain is a group of four bronze turtles (or tortoises) emerging from a central basin. The turtles are supported by a stone slab decorated with mushrooms, shells, and vegetation. Water spouts from the mouths of two turtles into the basin below. It is also one of the few remaining examples of Roman Baroque animal sculptures.

Fontana del Tritone (Triton Fountain)
Fontana del Tritone (Triton Fountain)

Standing in the centre of the Piazza Tritone is one of the most famous fountains in Rome, the Triton Fountain. The fountain features a large sculpture of the mythological character Triton, the God of the Sea, surrounded by four smaller sculptures that represent the four rivers of Rome; the Tiber, Aniene, Tyber and Albula. The statue was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1642 and was his first public fountain.

Fontana delle Api (Fountain of the Bees)
Fontana delle Api (Fountain of the Bees)

The Fontana delle Api, or Fountain of the Bees, is one of Rome's most iconic landmarks. The fountain was designed by Bernini in 1644. It is located in the Piazza Barberini, in front of the Palazzo Barberini. The fountain is made of travertine and features four bees on the sides of the basin. The Fontana delle Api is one of Bernini's most famous works, and it is considered a masterpiece of Baroque art.

Fontana dei Libri (Fountain of the Books)
Fontana dei Libri (Fountain of the Books)

The Fontana dei Libri is located in the north-west corner of the Piazza del Popolo. It was designed by Pietro Lombardi and completed in 1927. The work, made entirely of travertine, presents a deer's head among four ancient books, two on each side and the water gauges out from the two bookmarks on each side.

Fontana di Nettuno (Neptune Fountain)
Fontana di Nettuno (Neptune Fountain)

The Neptune Fountain in Rome was commissioned by Cosimo I de' Medici in 1559 to celebrate the marriage of Francesco de' Medici I to Grand Duchess Joanna of Austria. The Fontana di Nettuno is a large marble fountain with a central statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. This famous fountain in Rome was damaged due to mistreatment and vandalism. The city of Rome undertook a two-year restoration project to repair the statue and clean the fountain in 2019.

Fontana dell’Acqua Paola (The Acqua Paola Fountain)
Fontana dell’Acqua Paola (The Acqua Paola Fountain)

The Acqua Paola Fountain is decorated with lions, dragons, and dolphins, which makes it a unique sight to see. It is a historical landmark built in 1612 by Pope Paul V Borghese to mark the end of the Aqua Traiana aqueduct. The fountain consists of a central pedestal surmounted by a statue of Pope Paul V, with four lion heads on each side spewing water into a basin below. The fountain is lit at night, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike.

Fontana delle Botte (Fountain of the Barrel)
Fontana delle Botte (Fountain of the Barrel)

The Fontana della Botte was made in 1927 by the architect Pietro Lombardi, located in Rome, is a fountain with a unique design. The fountain is shaped like a large barrel, with two spouts from which water flows. The barrel is symbolic of the many barrels of wine that were once produced in the area. The Fontana delle Botte has had a significant impact on Roman culture and has become an important part of the city's identity.

FAQ’s

What are some of the famous fountains in Rome?

    The Trevi Fountain - This fountain of Rome was built in 1762 by Nicola Salvi and is one of the most famous fountains in the city. It is located in the Trevi district, which gets its name from the three roads that converge there.

    Neptune Fountain - The fountain depicts Neptune, the god of the sea, flanked by two Tritons. Legend has it that if you throw a coin into the fountain, you will be guaranteed to return to Rome.

    The Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) - It is located in Piazza Navona and was built in 1651 by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The fountain represents the four major rivers of the four continents known at the time: the Nile (Africa), the Ganges (Asia), the Danube (Europe) and La Plata (the Americas).

    There are many other beautiful fountains to visit in Rome, including the Fontana del Tritone (Fountain of Triton) on Piazza Barberini, which was also designed by Bernini; The Fountain of Moses on Via d’Azeglio; and The Fountain of the Naiads on Piazza della Repubblica.

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