Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana delle Quattro Fiumi)

The Basics

Topping the must-see list for art enthusiasts, Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers is the star of small-group or private tours of baroque fountains and squares in Rome. It's also included in many walking and Segway tours, along with skip-the-line access to the Colosseum and Vatican (including the Sistine Chapel). The fountain depicts the Nile, Danube, Rio de la Plata, and Ganges and is topped by a soaring Egyptian obelisk.

For a memorable look at the fountain, join a sunset or night tour when the fountain is illuminated. Or, for fans of Dan Brown’s Angels & Demons (first a book and then a film), see the Fountain of the Four Rivers as part of a tour that focuses on Brown's story.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Do not enter Fountain of the Four Rivers(or any of Rome’s historic fountains)— trespassers can be fined or arrested.

• The pedestrian-only Piazza Navona is crowded with street performers, making it popular with families.

• Wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.

• The statue can be reached via wheelchair or stroller, though the square’s cobblestones make for bumpy terrain.

How to Get There

The Fountain of the Four Rivers marks the center of Piazza Navona, located in the historic city center of Rome between the Pantheon and Tiber River. To reach the square by public transportation, take a bus that stops on nearby Via di Torre Argentina.

When to Get There

Piazza Navona is one of the most popular public spaces in Rome, lively day and night with street vendors and performers, cafes and restaurants, and crowds out for a stroll. Try to visit after sunset when Bernini’s magnificent sculptures are beautifully lit.

The Legend of an Artistic Rivalry

The Fountain of the Four Rivers sits at the center of Piazza Navona, right in front of the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone. The statue representing the Rio de la Plata faces the church, and appears to be cowering away in horror at the facade, designed by one of Bernini’s rivals. This is a common story, and a fun one, but it can’t be true—the church was built many years after Bernini’s fountain.

Ways to explore

Topping the must-see list for art enthusiasts, the Fountain of the Four Rivers is a star of small-group and private tours of Rome’s prominent fountains and squares. It’s also included in many walking and Segway tours, along with visits to attractions such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps.

For an especially memorable look at the fountain, join a sunset or night tour when its statues are illuminated. Or, for fans of Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons, see the Fountain of the Four Rivers on a tour that visits landmarks from the book and movie.

Accessibility

The Fountain of the Four Rivers is wheelchair accessible—just be aware of uneven cobblestones in Piazza Navona.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen

What to wear

There’s little shade in Piazza Navona, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Not allowed

Do not enter the Fountain of the Four Rivers (or any of Rome’s historic fountains)—trespassers can be fined or arrested.

Amenities

Piazza Navona has benches, a drinking fountain, and several dining and luggage storage options, as well as a public restroom and info point nearby on Via Giuseppe Zanardelli.

Address

The Fountain of the Four Rivers is located in Piazza Navona in central Rome, a short walk from major attractions including the Pantheon, Campo de’ Fiori, and Trevi Fountain. If you can’t get there on foot, take a car or use public transportation.

Driving

It is not easy to drive (or park) in Rome’s bustling historic center, but the city is well equipped with taxis and rideshares that can get you to Piazza Navona.

Public transportation

You can reach Piazza Navona via bus or tram. The closest bus stop, Rinascimento, serves several routes throughout the city, while the Arenula/Cairoli tram stop—reachable on ATAC line 8 from Trastevere—is about 10 minutes away.

Best times to visit

Head to the fountain at sunset for the prettiest lighting and liveliest atmosphere in Piazza Navona, or visit early in the morning to have the masterpiece to yourself.

Best days to visit

As one of the most important squares in central Rome, Piazza Navona is always busy, so go whenever your schedule allows.

Best months to visit

Since the fountain is an outdoor attraction, aim to visit when Rome’s weather is at its best from March–May or September–October.

Special events

To see the Fountain of the Four Rivers surrounded by holiday lights, visit Piazza Navona during its annual Christmas market in December and early January.