The Trevi Fountain was one of favorite spots in Rome. We visited three times, mid-morning, late afternoon, and about 9:30pm. We concluded there is no time when the small Piazza Trevi, when the fountain is located, is not packed with tourists and hawkers. The variations in lighting at the different times of day make multiple visits more than mere repetition. I especially liked late afternoon, watching the sunset shadow line creep over the fountain.

During the course of our three visits, we had long looks at the fountain head on, from the far right, and from the far left from the steps. Each spot offers a different perspective and is worth doing. Another good view place is from the porch of the church at the corner of the square, and since we were there, we took a look inside the church as well. Also worth doing.

The water for the fountain comes from 12 miles away by Agrippa’s aqueduct, built in 19 B. C. and still working. Pope Clement XII had the present fountain built following a design by Bernini. The fountain, the largest in Rome, is built against the wall of the Duck of Poli’s Palace. A semi-circle of steps faces the front of the fountain and it’s a good place to sit to watch the waters.

This is the fountain of "Three Coins in the Fountain." Interestingly, before the movie, Trevi Fountain was barely on the visitor’s radar. The movie made it one of the best known sights in Rome, if not in the world. The bottom of the pool is covered in coins, thrown in the water by tourists. According to the ancient legend, if you throw a coin in Trevi Fountain, some day you will return to Rome. Tossing your coin backward over your shoulder is the recommended procedure. Apparently the ancient legend about coin tossing was invented by the movie script.

On one visit, we were entertained by a guy trying to grab coins out of the fountain pool without getting seen by the ever present cops.

If you didn’t bring a camera, there is a commerical photographer with a Polaroid roaming the crowd who will be delighted to sell you a picture of your coin toss. He even shows you how to do it.

The Trevi Fountain is located at the intersection of Via d. Pilotta and Via d. Muratta. Via d. Muratta is a pedestrian-only street packed with tourists and lined with souvenir shops and over-priced restaurants connecting Trevi Square to Via d. Corso, one block away. It is easy to get to by one of the local buses running on V. d. Corso, Rome’s main shopping street.

A nice 2-3 hour walk connects the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona by way of the Pantheon.

One thing in Rome that you cannot miss is the massive Trevi Fountain. It is essentially the largest fountain in Rome and certainly the most breathtaking. There is a legend that if you throw a coin in the fountain, you are ensured a speedy return to Rome and if you throw in two coins, you will have a happy marriage. Right in the centre of the fountain is the God of the Sea, Neptune, who is flanked by bas-reliefs named after mythological characters. To get to Trevi Fountain, take the metro (Line A) and get off at Spagna stop and (usually) follow the crowd that will go straight to Trevi. A common mistake with many unsuspecting tourists is that when you exit Spagna station, you will see Triton Fountain right in front of you. Many tourists mistakenly assume that it’s Trevi Fountain and be disappointed in the process. Just keep heading straight through the street and you will eventually be met with a huge crowd clamoring to get a seat in front of the fountain.

Rather than just taking photographs and moving on, sit with the crowds and take in the atmosphere surrounding you. It’s something that you will never forget when you leave Rome. Don’t forget to throw in a coin over your shoulder – you might come back to Rome sooner than later!

This fountain is built on the back of a Renaissance palace, with water tumbling over rocks with various statues into a pool. It was started in 1732 to the design of Niccola Salvi but took several decades to complete the work. The central figure is Neptune in his chariot with a Triumph arch symbolising the taming of water. Above are bas-reliefs depicting the origins of the aqueduct - the Romans had a tradition of building fountains at the end of aqueducts - and close to this was the terminus of the Acqua Vergine and its fountain it was badly damaged and was later restored in the 15th century and a new fountain was built. However, Pope Urban VIII wanted some more dramatic and had a fountain built on the current site which was later destroyed to built the current fountain.

Of course there is the tradition to throw a coin in the fountain to ensure your return to Rome. The money is cleared out regularly and used to help the poor in Rome. The fountain may be a stunning baroque example, but the crowds around it make it difficult to get a clear view of it. Its size makes it nearly impossible to get a photo of the entire fountain, but any photo fails to grasp the grandeur of it. Note also there are lots of people attempting to sell various items and if you stand still for a moment they will flock around you.

The narrow streets surrounding the fountain are full of small shops selling cheap tacky souvenirs, if you are looking for such items there is a good concentration of them here with reasonable prices. But the cafes and gelaterias close by are not exciting so hold off and walk a little further.

The Trevi fountain is the most famous and beautiful fountain in all the world, this impressive monument dominates the small Trevi square located in the Quirinale district. The Trevi is at the ending part of the agua virgo that is an aqueduct that brings water all the way from the salone springs and supplies the fountains in the historic center of Rome with water. The fountain as it is know was constructed in 1732, Pope Clement XII commissioned Nicola Salvi to create a large fountain in the small square. A previous undertaking to build the fountain after a design by Bernini was halted a century earlier after death of Pope Urban VIII. Nicola Salvi based his theatrical masterpiece on this design. The construction was finally completed in 1762.

The central figure of the fountain is Neptune, god of the sea. He is riding a chariot in the shape of a shell, pulled by two sea horses, each sea horses is guided by a Triton. One of the horse is calm and obedient, the other one restive. They symbolize the fluctuating moods of the sea.

The water at the bottom of the fountain represents the sea. Legend has you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the water, you should toss it over your shoulder with your back to the fountain. To be honest i haven't done it (about the coin) but I have spend three hours just looking at the Trevi fountain.

It is a real surprise to come across the fountain in the middle of an alleyway. The "Le Temerici" restaurant is right around the corner and a must-visit restaurant for the ambiance and the quality food.