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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Field Notes • Places

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is an 18th-century Baroque fountain in Rome, Italy, located in the Trevi district and attached to the Palazzo Poli.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

The Trevi Fountain is an 18th-century Baroque fountain in Rome, Italy, and the largest fountain in the city. It stands at the terminal point of the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct, blending art and history in the Trevi district.

What it is

The Trevi Fountain is a late Baroque masterpiece designed by Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762. It measures 26.3 metres high and 49.15 metres wide, attached to the Palazzo Poli. The fountain marks the endpoint of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, one of Rome’s oldest surviving water sources.

Why it matters

The fountain is one of Rome’s most famous landmarks, drawing millions of visitors annually. It is widely known for the coin-tossing tradition, which is said to ensure a return to Rome. For Canadian travellers, it remains a top destination when visiting the city.

Key details

Construction began in 1732 and finished in 1762, with Salvi as original designer and Pannini overseeing completion. The fountain’s sculptural composition centres on water and mythological imagery, occupying much of Piazza di Trevi. Its cultural significance extends to frequent appearances in popular culture.

In short

  • Largest Baroque fountain in Rome, completed in 1762.
  • Designed by Nicola Salvi, finished by Giuseppe Pannini.
  • Terminal point of the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct.
  • Famous for coin-tossing tradition and global recognition.
Canadian angle

The Trevi Fountain is a globally recognized landmark and a major destination for Canadian travellers visiting Rome.

Quick questions

Where is the Trevi Fountain located?
It is in the Trevi district of central Rome, Italy, next to Palazzo Poli.
Who designed the Trevi Fountain?
The fountain was designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi.
Why is the Trevi Fountain famous?
It is famous for its Baroque design, its scale, its association with the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, and the coin-tossing tradition.

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trevi_Fountain
    Supports: Location, designer, completion date, size, and general description.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Trevi-Fountain
    Supports: Baroque classification, designer, completion date, location, and coin-tossing tradition.
  3. Pantheon Romahttps://www.pantheonroma.com/en/2025/12/23/trevi-fountain-in-rome-history-secrets-and-tips-for-your-visit/
    Supports: Aqua Virgo connection, construction timeline, and location in the Trevi district.
  4. Turismo Romahttps://www.turismoroma.it/en/places/trevi-fountain
    Supports: Status as the terminal point of the Virgo aqueduct and landmark details.