Piazzas & Fountains

Rome's most beautiful experiences cost nothing: The city's squares and fountains are open-air museums of Baroque art and stages of Roman everyday life.

Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) ★★★

The most famous fountain in the world fills an entire small square. 26 meters high, 50 meters wide, with the statue of the sea god Neptune on a shell chariot. Tradition: Throwing a coin over the right shoulder guarantees a return to Rome (about 3,000 € are fished out of the fountain daily — the money goes to Caritas). Come before 8 AM or after 11 PM for somewhat bearable conditions — during the day, the square is a wall of people.

Piazza Navona ★★★

Rome's most elegant square, built on the ruins of the Stadium of Domitian (1st century AD). Three fountains, including Bernini's Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) with personifications of the Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Rio de la Plata. Flanked by the church of Sant'Agnese (Borromini). In the evening, street artists, painters, and musicians enliven the square. The restaurants directly on the square are expensive and touristy — go a street further for good food.

Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) ★★

The 135 steps between Piazza di Spagna and the church of Trinità dei Monti are Rome's most iconic photo motif. Decorated with azaleas in spring. Note: Since 2019, sitting on the steps is prohibited and fined (up to 400 €)!

Piazza del Popolo ★★

The large oval square at the northern city gate with an Egyptian obelisk and twin churches. From the terrace of the Pincio Hill (5 min. on foot), you have the best view over the square and the domes of Rome — especially at sunset.