Triton Fountain (Fontana del Tritone) Tours and Activities
The Triton Fountain (Fontana del Tritone) is not on the scale of Rome’s most famous water feature, the Trevi Fountain, but it’s well worth a visit. Located in bustling Piazza Barberini, Fontana del Tritone was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII and carved by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, whose baroque sculptures also appear in St. Peter’s Basilica.
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
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.
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.
Practical Info
Address: Piazza Barberini, Rome, Lazio 00187, Italy
10 Tours and Activities to Experience Triton Fountain (Fontana del Tritone)
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Small-Group or Private Crypts, Bone Chapel and Catacombs Tour
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Peel back the layers of Roman history—quite literally—with a thrilling exploration of its underground tombs and chapels. Visit Roman Catacombs, home to stunning frescoes and thousands of centuries-old bones. Learn about early Christianity from your guide while meandering the endless darkened tunnels. Next up is the Capuchin Crypt, where you find the artistically displayed bones of 4,000 Capuchin monks.
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Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
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Rome Walking Tour Including the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain
143
Discover Rome's layers of history during a short walking tour of its key sites. With a guide, check out visitor favorites such as the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona, along with lively art-filled squares like Piazza Barberini. Hear the stories behind the landmarks as you stroll and pose for photos along the way. The morning tour ends a short walk away from the Vatican, making it a perfect choice if you plan to explore the Vatican later on your own.
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From
$3.62
Price varies by group size
From
$3.62
Price varies by group size
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Rome and The Vatican Private Tour: Angels & Demons Mystery Exploration Game
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Follow in the steps of character Robert Langdon in "Angels and Demons" on this downloadable quest. Walk around Rome, solving games and clues to unlock the next destination, revealed on your smartphone. You and your group can immerse yourself in Langdon's story as well as the history of Rome, moving at your own pace and taking as long as you like.
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$6.34
$2.72 savings
Price varies by group size
From
$6.34
$2.72 savings
Price varies by group size
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regular temperature checks for staff
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
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Four Fountains Tour in Rome
Join this free promotional walking tour and visit Rome's most famous and important Baroque landmarks: Barberini square, the Pantheon, Bernini's Elephant, Navona square, Four Rivers Fountains, Coronari street and many more landmarks of Rome.
Please keep in your mind that it is a free promotional tour and it is necessary that you tip the tour guide.
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Vicus Caprarius - the City of Water
See the structures of an imperial era "domus", the "castellum aquae" of the Vergine Aqueduct and many fascinating finds, including the famous face of Alessandro helios.
On a journey back in time, it will be possible to touch the millennial stratification of Rome and observe the archaeological evidence of the great events that characterized the history of the city. After the visit to the City of Water, you will return to the Trevi Fountain, the great baroque masterpiece, to continue your journey to Triton Fountain, carved by the notable Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Going on toward Piazza Mignanelli you will notice one of the characteristic public fountains of Rome known as Nasone.
Then you will reach the Spanish Step and the Barcaccia Fountain. Strolling on Via del Babuino you will see one of the six statues of Rome representing Silenus, nicknamed by Romans “babbuino” which means baboon. At the end, you will reach Via Margutta where you can admire the Fountain of Arts.
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From
$127.05
From
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Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Walking Tour in Rome
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
• Learn and explore the art, architecture, history Baroque buildings and imperial monuments of the Eternal City’s most famous sites.
• Learn the secrets behind each monument, square, and piece of art with the help of the professional guide.
• Discover some of the most stunning squares, fountains in Rome and the myths of tossing a coin and making a wish.
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Join an amazing three-hour journey through the most famous Roman squares and streets with an informative, friendly, and engaging guide. Walk along the streets to discover and see the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, and many other stunning fountains, squares and main attractions of Rome.
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From
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Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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In the Footsteps of Bernini Private Tour with Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off
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Learn about the artwork and architecture of Gian Lorenzo Bernini during this private tour in Rome. Follow in the artist’s footsteps during a walking tour that includes visits to major landmarks including Piazza Barberini, Piazza del Popolo, and the Basilica of Sant’Andrea. See Bernini’s sculptures, fountains, and architectural plans.
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From
$205.70
Price varies by group size
From
$205.70
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Private Golf Cart Tour by Night
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Explore an illuminated Eternal City on this evening tour of Rome by golf cart. Enjoy the magical atmosphere of the city’s piazzas, fountains and historical sights lit up after dark, from the Church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane to Piazza Barberini to the Spanish Steps. You’ll learn interesting things about the city from a knowledgeable guide, who shares information about Rome’s art and history.
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From
$529.39
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From
$529.39
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Driving around Rome by night tour
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On this half-day, nighttime tour, you’ll get an after-hours look at the Eternal City. See Rome’s top monuments illuminated in glittering lights, and beat the daytime crowds for a quieter, more intimate experience. Attractions covered include Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Square, the Pantheon, and a panoramic view from Gianicolo Hill.
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From
$200.67
$50.17 savings
Price varies by group size
From
$200.67
$50.17 savings
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Hop On Hop Off to See Rome and The Vatican All in One Day
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Discover the top sights of Rome efficiently and at your own pace with a special hop-on hop-off bus pass. Save potentially hours of vacation time with skip-the-line tickets at the Colosseum and Vatican Museums. Use the bus’ scenic and comprehensive route to reach the city’s most popular monuments. Learn about the many landmarks you pass with a complimentary audio guide in your native language.
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