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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.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Trevi Fountain is an 18th-century Baroque fountain in Rome, Italy, located in the Trevi district and attached to the Palazzo Poli. Designed by Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762, it is Rome’s largest fountain and one of the city’s best-known landmarks. The fountain is a major destination for Canadian travellers visiting Rome.

History

The current fountain was commissioned in the 18th century and built on the site of an earlier fountain. Construction began in 1732 and was completed in 1762, with Nicola Salvi as the original designer and Giuseppe Pannini overseeing completion.

Architecture and design

The fountain is a major example of Late Baroque architecture and sculpture. It is notable for its large scale, occupying much of Piazza di Trevi, and for its sculptural composition centered on water and mythological imagery.

Aqua Virgo connection

Trevi Fountain serves as the terminal point of the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct, one of Rome’s oldest surviving aqueducts. This connection gives the fountain both decorative and historical significance.

Cultural significance

The fountain is one of Rome’s most famous tourist attractions and is strongly associated with the tradition of tossing coins into the water. It has also appeared frequently in popular culture.

Key facts

  • The Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome.
  • It was designed by Nicola Salvi and finished by Giuseppe Pannini after Salvi’s death.
  • The fountain marks the endpoint of the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct.
  • It stands against the façade of Palazzo Poli in central Rome.
  • It is widely known for the coin-tossing tradition associated with returning to Rome.
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Canadian context

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

Frequently asked 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.
When was the Trevi Fountain completed?
It was completed in 1762 by Giuseppe Pannini.
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.
How big is the Trevi Fountain?
It is about 26.3 metres high and 49.15 metres wide.

References

  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.