Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is the most famous fountain in the world, a magnificent baroque tableau of Oceanus, god of all waters and often mistaken for Neptune, riding a shell chariot drawn by winged sea horses, water cascading over rocks to fill the basin that crowds a small Roman square. Tradition holds that a coin tossed over the shoulder into its waters ensures a return to Rome, and thousands are thrown each day.

What you actually see

• The baroque cascade - Neptune and his sea horses over the cascading water.
• The coin toss - the tradition of throwing a coin to return to Rome.
• The floodlit fountain - the fountain lit dramatically after dark.
• The piazza - the small square packed with visitors.

When to go

Year-round; early morning or late at night is the only time it is less than mobbed, and it is beautifully floodlit after dark. It is a quick stop on any central Rome walk.

Honest expectations

It is extremely crowded almost all day, a scrum for photos, so early morning or late night is the only calm time. It is a single monument, a quick stop. Beware pickpockets in the crush, and note that swimming or wading is forbidden.

Nearby

The Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and the Quirinal are all a short walk.