Trevi, the Barcaccia and more: the most beautiful fountains to see in Rome

Water and fountains have always been an integral part of Rome’s historical and artistic identity. With over 2,000 fountains scattered across its districts, the city boasts one of the most remarkable public water systems in the world.

Some, like the Trevi Fountain, are renowned worldwide, while others whisper tales of forgotten trades, curious anecdotes and ancient legends, tucked away in alleyways seldom explored by tourists. Following a trail of Rome’s fountains is, therefore, a journey through the city’s art, history and cultural heritage.

Trevi Fountain, the queen of Rome’s fountains

Widely regarded as one of the most famous fountains in the world, the Trevi Fountain rises in all its splendour in the heart of Rome’s historic centre, in Piazza di Trevi. Designed by Nicola Salvi in the 18th century, its theatrical composition features the figure of Oceanus commanding a shell-shaped chariot drawn by tritons and sea horses.

Set against the façade of Palazzo Poli, the fountain is fed by the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct, which also supplies water to many of the city’s other grand fountains. Every day, thousands of tourists and visitors gather to admire its breathtaking beauty, tossing a coin into the water in the hope, as legend has it, of one day returning to Rome.

The Barcaccia in Piazza di Spagna, an early masterpiece by Bernini

At the foot of the iconic Spanish Steps stands the Fontana della Barcaccia, created between 1626 and 1629 by Pietro Bernini with the assistance of his son, Gian Lorenzo. Its low, elongated form recalls a half-sunken boat, legend has it that the design was inspired by a vessel carried to that spot during a flood of the Tiber.

Crafted entirely from travertine, the fountain is a quintessential example of Roman Baroque and a beloved landmark for both tourists and photographers.

The Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona

Commissioned by Pope Innocent X and unveiled in 1651, the Fountain of the Four Rivers is considered one of Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s crowning achievements. Located at the heart of Piazza Navona, the fountain represents the great rivers of the four continents known at the time:

• the Danube for Europe;
• the Ganges for Asia;
• the Nile for Africa;
• and the Rio de la Plata for the Americas.

An ancient Egyptian obelisk rises from the centre of the sculpture, enhancing its theatrical impact. According to legend, the figure of the Rio de la Plata raises an arm to shield itself from the possible collapse of Sant’Agnese in Agone, the church designed by Bernini’s rival, Borromini.

Fountain of the Moor in Piazza Navona

Also located in Piazza Navona, on its southern side, the Fountain of the Moor is less well known than the more famous Fountain of the Four Rivers, yet it is just as deserving of attention. Originally designed by Giacomo della Porta and later modified by Bernini, it features a central figure of a man grappling with a dolphin, surrounded by four tritons.

The nickname “Moor” comes from the exotic and pronounced facial features of the central figure, which popular imagination has interpreted as having African traits. The fountain has undergone several restorations over the years and is now considered one of the most harmonious and dynamic in the city.

Fountain of the Turtles in Piazza Mattei

In the Sant’Angelo district, specifically in Piazza Mattei, stands the Fountain of the Turtles, an elegant example of Renaissance artistry. Designed by Giacomo della Porta and sculpted by Taddeo Landini between 1581 and 1588, the fountain features four bronze youths assisting turtles as they climb into the upper basin.

The turtles themselves (added during a restoration in 1658) are attributed either to Gian Lorenzo Bernini or Andrea Sacchi.

The Papal symbolism of the Fountain of the Tiaras

Located along the Passetto di Borgo, the Fountain of the Tiaras is a 1927 creation by Pietro Lombardi. A refined example of papal iconography, the fountain incorporates the keys of St Peter, papal tiaras, and the coat of arms of the city of Rome.

It stands as a tribute to the dual sovereignty (both secular and spiritual) that defines the area between the Vatican and the Rione Borgo.

The other lesser-known (but equally fascinating) fountains to see in Rome

Hidden fountains: the jewels of Rome’s neighbourhoods

Beyond the city’s most celebrated landmarks, Rome hides an array of equally beautiful and captivating fountains that deserve to be discovered. The Fountain of the Books, on Via degli Staderari, pays homage to knowledge and to the historic seat of Sapienza University, with water flowing from sculpted bookmarks.

A short stroll away, the Fontana degli Artisti on Via Margutta evokes the creative spirit of the area’s old art studios, with details such as easels, paintbrushes and theatrical masks. In Trastevere, the Fountain of the Cask recalls the neighbourhood’s historic taverns, complete with jugs, barrels and a cask from which water pours.

La Terrina and other curious fountains

Along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II stands the Fountain of the Terrina, named after the travertine lid that gives it the appearance of a soup tureen. Originally located in Campo de’ Fiori, it once served as a place to wash market fruit and vegetables. At Villa Medici, meanwhile, visitors can find the Fountain of the Cannonball, which legend claims was struck by a shot fired from Castel Sant’Angelo by Queen Christina of Sweden.

Fountains as symbols of power: Piazza del Popolo and Piazza del Campidoglio

The Fountain of the Lions in Piazza del Popolo, designed by Giuseppe Valadier, surrounds the central obelisk with four Egyptian-style lions. Striking, especially by night, it has become one of the city’s most iconic sights.

Less famous, but equally meaningful, is the Fountain of the Goddess Roma, set in the background of Piazza del Campidoglio. Positioned between statues representing the rivers Tiber and Nile, it celebrates the majesty of the Eternal City with elegance and restraint.

Modern and panoramic fountains: from EUR to the Janiculum

Rome also boasts modern fountains of great allure. The Giardino delle Cascate in the EUR district is a striking example of landscape architecture, blending cascades and water features into a lush green setting. On the Janiculum Hill, the Acqua Paola Fountain (affectionately known as the Fontanone) offers one of the most breathtaking views over the capital. Immortalised in Antonello Venditti’s song Roma Capoccia and featured in Paolo Sorrentino’s The Great Beauty, it remains a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike.

Article translated by Agnese Giardini

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