Rome is known all over the world as the eternal city. I’d like to argue though, it should totally be known as the city of fountains, too! ⛲️ ? As it turns out, the Italians are so great at making elaborate water features, that there are over 2000 of them spread across “La Città Eterna”. With so many to choose from, you’re probably wondering which ones are among the best fountains in Rome?
I’ve handpicked 5 of the prettiest fountains that you’ll find throughout the capital of Italy. All of them are nearby other important places to see, so don’t worry about messing up your Rome sightseeing schedule!
If you’re headed to Italy, don’t forget to download the free map at the bottom of this post. That way, you can easily find these fountains while you’re on your Rome tour!
The Best Fountains In Rome:
1. The Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is one of the best known in the whole world- let alone the most famous fountain in Rome. And it’s not just because this Baroque beauty is nearly 100 feet tall!
Wanna know what makes this place super special? The fountain was built here because this was the site of an original aqueduct that supplied Ancient Rome with fresh spring water. It’s also a picturesque setting in many classic films like Roman Holiday, “La Dolce Vita”, and of course the Lizzie McGuire movie ?.
And the whole coin tossing in a fountain thing? Legend says, you’re supposed to throw with your right hand, over your left shoulder to make your wish come true. They say if you do, you’ll definitely return to Rome. Say what you want about superstition, but I took my shot in 2013, and ended up married to a Roman myself. So maybe these things do come true after all?
2. The Fontana della Dea di Roma in Piazza del Popolo
The Piazza del Popolo has a few incredible fountains. The giant Obelisk makes the square a powerful site to behold, with the Fontana dei Leoni at the base of the monument.
But to the hillside, sits my favorite: The Fontana della Dea di Roma. It’s known as the fountain of the Goddess of Rome, and has the most incredible view of the Pincian Terrace (another can’t miss sight in Rome.)
3. Fountain of The Pantheon
Right across from one of Rome’s most famous sights (The Pantheon), you’ll find a charming square with a picturesque fountain. This is one of the best fountains in Rome, because there is beauty in every direction. Oh, and places to get gelato.
There’s been a fountain in this square since the 1500’s but the current one was finished in the 1700’s. You can imagine how important this fountain was as a meeting place for visitors for hundreds of years. It’s also still a great spot to cool off with the nearby “Nasone” drinking fountains on a hot summer day.
4. Fiumi Fountain in Piazza Navona
The fountains in Piazza Navona are totally next level, but the “Fountains of the Four Rivers” is the most spectacular of them all. Designed by Bernini, the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi faces the famous Church Sant’Agnese in Agone.
The Statues represented the major rivers in regions where Catholicism had spread. The Nile in Africa, the Danube in Europe, the Ganges in Asia, and the Río de la Plata in the Americas. The combination of incredible sculpture and engineering makes this fountain as interesting as the drama that surrounded it’s construction.
It’s also the perfect square to grab aperitivo, take a seat in the shade, and enjoy the sites and sounds of Rome.
5. The Fontana Dei Cavalli Marini in Villa Borghese Gardens
The Villa Borghese Gardens are home to Rome’s largest public park, and of course some of the best fountains in Rome. My favorite though, is the Fountain of the Sea Horses, just a few steps from the landmark Temple of Diana.
This water feature was designed in 1791, and depicts these incredible horses rising up out of the sea. It’s the perfect place to take a load off, and lounge with the locals dipping their feet in on a hot day. Who knows you may even find yourself wading through the water itself if it’s hot enough! ?
Free Map Of The Best Fountains In Rome
Download this map to visit these beautiful fountains while sightseeing in Rome. You can even view it offline using your google maps app!
Have Fun Sightseeing In Rome!
Thanks so much for reading my roundup of the best fountains in Rome! No matter where you go on your Rome sightseeing trip, you’re sure to see some of the prettiest fountains in the world.
And if you’re looking for other fun things to do in Rome, check out my guide on How to Visit the Galleria Doria Pamphiji. It’s the largest private art gallery in Italy, and definitely one of the most interesting things to see in Rome!
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