Triton Fountain (Fontana del Tritone)

The Basics

Poised outside the stately Palazzo Barberini, Fontana del Tritone was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII, Bernini’s patron, to provide water sourced from the Acqua Felice aqueduct. Built in 1643, it was the first of Bernini’s freestanding fountains. The sculpture features the mythical figure of Triton, who balances on seashells and blows a conch: a reference to Ovid’s Metamorphoses in which Triton causes a great flood to recede.

The Fontana del Tritone is featured in numerous Rome itineraries, including Bernini-themed walking tours, excursions to Palazzo Barberini, baroque art and architecture tours, photography tours, and evening trips to survey Rome’s landmarks after dark.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Look closely: the Fontana del Tritone features a papal crown and three bees that are also part of the Barberini coat-of-arms.

• The legend of the Trevi Fountain also applies to the Fontana del Tritone: Those who toss a coin over one shoulder and into the fountain are guaranteed to return to Rome.

• It is forbidden to swim in the fountain, eat or drink while sitting on the edge, throw in objects (other than coins), or climb on it.

How to Get There

Take Metro line A to the Barberini–Fontana di Trevi station, located just steps from the fountain. Piazza Barberini is also served by many bus lines, including Nos. 52, 53, 62, 63, 80, 83, 85, 150F, 160, 492, 590, C3, N1, N4, N5, N12, and N25. Given its central location, this sight can also easily be reached on foot, by bicycle, or by taxi from other sights in the heart of Rome.

When to Get There

Busy by day and illuminated at night, the Fontana del Tritone can be admired any time. To pair a visit to the fountain with a tour of the adjacent Palazzo Barberini, however, check the normal opening hours for the Galleria Nazionale Antica, which is housed in the palazzo, and visit when the gallery is open.

Fontana delle Api

The Fontana del Tritone isn’t the only Bernini sculpture to call the Piazza Barberini home. The public square also features the lesser-known Fontana delle Api (Fountain of the Bees). Originally constructed as a horse trough, the smaller work’s design features a seashell and three bees.

Ways to explore

It’s easy to stop by the Fontana del Tritone, as it’s located in Rome’s historic center near landmarks like the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. You can stop by as you explore the Trevi district and the surrounding area. You can also see the fountain as part of a formal tour; it’s featured in numerous Rome itineraries, including Bernini-themed walking tours, excursions to Palazzo Barberini, baroque art and architecture tours, and evening trips to survey Rome’s landmarks after dark.

Accessibility

The fountain is technically wheelchair accessible, but the plaza surrounding it has a cobblestone surface. The subway stations near Piazza Barberini are not wheelchair accessible; it’s advisable to take the bus instead.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Coins to throw in the fountain (legend says if you throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain you are guaranteed a return to Rome), camera, sunscreen

What to wear

Comfortable shoes with tread that can grip cobblestone, layers of clothing (weather conditions can change quickly)

Not allowed

Swimming in the fountain, drinking the water, throwing anything other than coins into the fountain

Amenities

There are banks, cafes, and restaurants surrounding Piazza Barberini. You’ll also find a taxi stand nearby. Wi-Fi and restrooms are available at the Palazzo Barberini.

Address

The Triton Fountain is located in Piazza Barberini in Rome’s historic center, at the intersection of Via Veneto and Via del Tritone. It sits just a short walk from the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, making it a popular stop for tourists.

Driving

From central Rome, take the Aurelian Walls perimeter and exit toward Via Veneto/Piazza Barberini. The Fontana del Tritone sits in Piazza Barberini—most of the square is ZTL (limited‑traffic zone). Street parking is scarce, so park at nearby garages like Parking Ludovisi.

Public transportation

Take Metro Line A to the Barberini – Fontana di Trevi stop. Alternatively, bus lines 52, 53, 61, 63, 80, 81, 83, 160, 492, and 590 stop at Tritone/Barberini (a 2–3-minute walk).

Best times to visit

The early morning and late afternoon hours offer the best experience when visiting the Piazza Barberini. It is the least crowded before the Palazzo Barberini opens at 10am.

Best days to visit

Weekdays tend to have the fewest crowds in the area. Holidays and weekends are the busiest.

Best months to visit

The summer and Easter season typically see the most visitors to Rome. If you want to avoid crowds, visit in the spring or fall.

Special events

None