The Top-10 Fountains of Rome

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For anyone who has explored the city of Rome, they would have noticed that fountains are everywhere, and provide a guide to legend, history and art. These fountains offer a wonderful glimpse into Rome's rich history and artistic heritage, making them essential stops on a budget-friendly walking tour of the Eternal City.

Neptune's Fountain and JetsonNeptune's Fountain, one of many great fountains in Piazza Navona

Exploring Rome on foot is a fantastic way to discover its incredible fountains, many of which are iconic landmarks that you can enjoy for free.

Here are the top 10 fountains in Rome that a budget traveler should include on a walking tour:

1. Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) : The most famous fountain in Rome, the Trevi Fountain is an 18th-century masterpiece featuring Neptune, god of the sea, surrounded by tritons and sea horses. It is located in Piazza di Trevi. Tradition says that if you throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain you will one day return to the Rome. Some would say that putting the coin towards an airfare would be a better guarantee, but that doesn't stop thousands of people turning their back to the fountain and lobbing loose change over their shoulder every day. However, there are other conditions attached. Those who toss in two coins are supposedly getting married, while those who throw in three are heading for a divorce!

2. Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) : Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1651, this fountain represents four major rivers from different continents: the Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Rio de la Plata. It's topped by an Egyptian obelisk and features stunning sculptures symbolizing these rivers. It is located in the Piazza Navona.

3. Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the Ugly Boat): Located at the base of the Spanish Steps, this fountain, designed by Pietro Bernini, resembles a sinking boat. It commemorates the Tiber River's flooding in 1598 when a boat was left stranded in the square. It is located in the Piazza di Spagna.

4. Fontana del Pantheon (Fountain of the Pantheon): Situated in front of the Pantheon, this 16th-century fountain features an Egyptian obelisk and is adorned with dolphin and mask sculptures. It's a great spot to enjoy views of the ancient Roman temple. It is located in the Piazza della Rotonda.

5. Fontana del Tritone (Fountain of the Triton): This impressive Baroque fountain, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1642, depicts the sea god Triton blowing a conch shell. It's an excellent example of Bernini's skill in combining water and sculpture. It is located in the Piazza Barberini

6. Fontana delle Tartarughe (Fountain of the Turtles): A charming Renaissance fountain featuring four bronze turtles added in the 17th century by Bernini. The turtles seem to be climbing into the basin supported by youthful figures holding up a large shell. It is located in the Piazza Mattei.

7. Fontana delle Naiadi (Fountain of the Naiads): Built in the late 19th century, this fountain features four naiads, or water nymphs, representing oceans, rivers, lakes, and underground water. It's a striking example of Art Nouveau sculpture. It is located in the Piazza della Repubblica.

8. Fontana del Moro (Moor Fountain): Another Bernini creation, this fountain features a central figure of a Moor wrestling with a dolphin, surrounded by four Tritons. It's one of the three beautiful fountains located in Piazza Navona. It is located in the Piazza Navona.

9. Fontana della Piazza Farnese: Situated in front of the Palazzo Farnese, this fountain consists of two large granite basins originally from the ancient Roman Baths of Caracalla. The basins were repurposed in the 17th century to create this elegant fountain. It is located in the Piazza Farnese.

10. Fontana dell'Acqua Paola (The Big Fountain): This monumental fountain, also known as Il Fontanone, offers stunning views over the city from the Janiculum Hill. Built in the early 17th century to celebrate the reopening of an ancient Roman aqueduct, it's a grand display of marble and water. It is located in the Via Garibaldi, Janiculum Hill.

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