The Beautiful Rome Fountains You Must See On Your Next Visit

These beautiful Rome fountains can mark the end of an ancient aqueduct and are amazing artistic expressions that should be included in your travel plans.

While Kansas City likes to call itself “The City of Fountains”, I think it is a bit fairer to refer to  Rome as the true “City of Fountains”, and for good reason. When you walk almost anywhere in the historic center, you’ll come in contact with some of the most incredible sculptures that do more than just deliver water. 

These fountains tell the story of Rome’s artistic brilliance combined with ancient engineering that has captivated travelers for centuries and continues today. These aren’t just fun dancing waters, but points of exit of the waters that these aqueducts carry from the mountains and has sustained life in Rome for centuries.

From world-famous icons like the Trevi Fountain, a fountain that everyone needs to have on their itinerary for their first first trip to Rome, to hidden masterpieces tucked away in small piazzas. Our guide will introduce you to some of Rome’s most beautiful and historic fountains. Along the way, you’ll find links to deeper stories and hidden secrets and amazing history, which is perfect for planning your first (or next) Roman adventure.

Trevi Fountain: Rome’s Legendary Masterpiece

There are very few places in the world that can match the grandeur and romance of the Trevi Fountain. Designed by architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762 , this monumental masterpiece marks the end of the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct, which had been supplying fresh water to Rome since 19 BC.

The Trevi Fountain is more than just an incredible sculpture; it’s a living symbol of Rome’s layered history. Towering at 86 Ft (26 meters high) and 161 Ft (49 meters) wide, it depicts Oceanus, god of the sea, commanding tritons and horses through the waters.

Trevi Fountain Coin Toss Tradition

There are times when it is fun to throw a coin in Trevi Fountain, and surprisingly there are times when it isn’t. Specifically, when the fountain is being cleaned, as it was most recently in 2024, the fountain is drained, and a bucket or small tub is installed for your coin throwing needs.

Now, I’m not terribly superstitious, but even those who are can probably admit there are no wishes being granted when you chuck a Euro into a plastic bucket bolted on to a fountain. If you disagree, toss away!

If you are wondering what happens with these coins, they are now regularly collected and donated to the Roman Catholic charity Caritas which is a nonprofit that provides food to the poor, which is better than the old process of allowing a Roman thief to scoop up the coins for himself. Yes, he was arrested multiple times and died in 2013.

Amazing Secrets Of Trevi Fountain

Did you know that the Trevi Fountain hides many fascinating secrets? For example:

• The fountain is illuminated at night by more than 100 LED lights, creating a beautiful and romantic atmosphere.
• The Trevi Fountain is said to be cursed, with legends claiming that anyone who removes even a small stone from the fountain will suffer misfortune.
• During World War II, the fountain was used as a source of drinking water for soldiers, and it was also used to hide refugees from the Nazis.

For more travel planning tips and fun stories, explore: “13 Secrets of Trevi Fountain”.

Piazza Navona And Its Three Beautiful Fountains

If the Trevi Fountain is the most well known fountain in Rome, then Piazza Navona is second only because the fame is shared across 3 fountains. This busy central square sits atop the remains of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, where athletic contests were once held. 

Today, it’s a vibrant gathering place filled with overpriced cafes, street artists, terraces with amazing views and,  of course, these three stunning fountains.

Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers)

The cost for the construction of the fountain was so high that, in order to finance it, the Pope put a tax on bread and at the same time made the standard size of a loaf smaller. This unleashed the hatred of the people of Rome on the sister-in-law who was held indirectly responsible for the abuse and who was already disliked by the Romans.

Fontana del Moro (Fountain Of The Moor)

At the southern end of the piazza lies the Fontana del Moro, originally designed by Giacomo della Porta and later enhanced by Bernini. The central figure wrestles a dolphin, which represents a celebration of strength and the mysterious nature of the sea.

Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain Of Neptune)

The northern end features the Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune), which portrays the sea god battling a fierce sea creature. Though its statues were added much later (in the 19th century), it blends seamlessly with the piazza’s Baroque grandeur.

Dive deeper into Piazza Navona’s artistic treasures with our guide: “Piazza Navona and the Three Beautiful Fountains”.

The Rome Fountains That You Shouldn’t Miss

Beyond the most famous fountains, Trevi and the three found in Piazza Navona, Rome offers countless other fountains that capture the imagination. Here are a few you absolutely shouldn’t miss:

Fontana della Barcaccia

At the foot of the Spanish Steps sits the somewhat charming Fontana della Barcaccia (“Fountain of the Ugly Boat”), designed by Pietro Bernini and completed by his more famous son, Gian Lorenzo. Shaped like a half-sunken boat, it commemorates a historic flood of the Tiber River.

Triton Fountain

In Piazza Barberini, Bernini again wows us with the Triton Fountain. A muscular Triton blows a conch shell, sending water skyward. It’s a bold celebration of mythological power. If you are in the area and want to see a more hidden gem, then check out the Fountain of the Bees.

This smaller fountain silently sits on the corner of Via Vittorio Veneto and Via di S. Basilio. Bernini gave the fountain the unusual shape of an open bivalve shell. The lower valve served as a basin, while the other valve was decorated at the base by three bees, which were the heraldic symbol of Pope Urban VIII’s family.

Fountain of the Turtles

Hidden in Piazza Mattei, the delicate Fountain of the Turtles is a Renaissance masterpiece. Rumor has it that Duke Muzio Mattei, who was a gambler, a drinker and the owner of the building overlooking the square, made his future father-in-law look out of the window and promised to have the fountain built in one night in order to convince the wealthy future father-in-law to give him the hand of his daughter.

These iconic spots serve as perfect stops during a casual Roman stroll. For even more must-see fountains, visit: “Famous Fountains in Rome”.

Smaller Ancient Roman Fountains That You Might Have Overlooked

While the grander fountains steal the spotlight, Rome’s quieter, ancient fountains deserve just as much attention. Often overlooked by tourists, these gems reveal a subtler side of the Eternal City.

Fountain Of The Naiads

Located in Piazza della Repubblica, the Fountain of the Naiads once caused scandal for its sensuous, nearly nude nymphs. Today, it stands as one of Rome’s most celebrated examples of early 20th-century sculpture, but unfortunately, for the last six months it has been covered in scaffolding or surrounded by road construction.

Fountain Of The Books

Tucked away near the University of Rome on Via degli Staderari, the Fountain of the Books pays tribute to the nearby Sapienza library. It’s a small but whimsical reminder of Rome’s long-standing love affair with learning.

Fountain Of The Tiaras

The fountain has three small semicircular shell-shaped basins that collect the water flowing from the spouts placed on top of three pairs of keys of St. Peter’s. There are three papal tiaras, the hats the popes used to wear, with a fourth one on top. The Fountain of the Tiaras also depicts the presence of the papal authority in the Borgo district, which is still part of Rome, but it is very close to the Vatican.

Want to uncover more hidden gems? Check out: “Ancient Roman Fountains You Might Have Overlooked”.

My Favorite Fountains in Rome

Beyond the guidebooks and Instagram posts, some fountains in Rome have simply stolen my heart. Sometimes it’s because of the cool location, other times because of some of the symbology included on them and others because their backstory is fun. Here are a few of my personal favorites:

La Fontana dell’Acqua Paola (a.k.a. The Big Fountain)

This grand fountain designed by Giovanni Fontana is located on Janiculum hill and combined with the view of the city that it faces is a must see for any visitor to Rome. I was first exposed to it by the movie: “La Grande Bellezza”, which was the setting in the opening scene when a tourist collapses while enjoying the sweeping views of Rome.

Fountain Of The Mascherone

Hidden along the beautiful Via Giulia, the Fountain of the Mascherone features a massive grotesque face spewing water. Once during grand festivals, it even flowed with wine for celebrations!

This is interesting to me because originally it was described as something more akin to a manhole cover, but also because it shares an origin with the similar looking Bocca della Verita.

Fountain Of The Frogs

In the fairytale-like neighborhood of Quartiere Coppedè, the quirky Fountain of the Frogs is a joyful explosion of whimsy and Art Nouveau charm. The Beatles once famously jumped into this fountain after a concert in Rome!

Every fountain has its own personality, its own spirit — and these favorites always make me pause for a moment of wonder. To learn more about them and why they hold a special place in my heart, visit: “My Favorite Fountains in Rome”.

The Eternal Dance of Water and Stone

Rome’s fountains are far more than decorative sculptures, they can also be the storytellers of the history of Rome. They whisper tales of emperors and popes, artists and dreamers, ancient engineers and modern romantics. Each fountain captures a different facet of Rome’s soul.

The next time you find yourself wandering the cobblestone streets, after you rush to Trevi Fountain or Piazza Navona, take a detour. Follow the sound of water down a quiet alley. You might just discover your own favorite fountain, and a secret story waiting to be told.