Fontana degli Innamorati
A Vespa tour is perfect for soaking up the atmosphere of the city like a true Roman. You can choose from guided tours or rent a Vespa to freely explore the alleys and iconic places of Rome. Rome is rich in bike paths and picturesque routes. A bike tour offers a slower and more relaxing view of the city, ideal for discovering hidden corners.
What you need to know about the Fountain of Lovers
The Fountain of the Lovers is a hidden gem inside the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome. Legend has it that couples who drink from this small fountain, located on the right side of the Trevi Fountain, will remain in love and faithful to each other. It is located just off the main part of the Trevi Fountain, with a small water jet and basin, offering a quieter and more intimate space for couples than the crowded central area. Couples drinking together from the Fountain of Lovers is said to ensure a lasting bond. This fountain has become a romantic symbol for visitors to Rome, offering a unique tradition for couples to follow during their visit.
Legend of the “glass of fidelity: It is said that in ancient times soldiers leaving for a distant mission would drink from the Fountain of Lovers together with their beloved, sharing a glass of water as a symbol of fidelity. The idea was that once they returned, the couple would stay together forever.
Accessibility: Unlike the main fountain, which is always very crowded, the Fountain of Lovers is often less visited, so it allows a more intimate time for couples to share this romantic experience.
Modern Rite: Today, the tradition of drinking from the Fountain of Lovers has become a ritual for couples visiting Rome. After tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain to secure a return to Rome, couples head to the Fountain of Lovers to drink together and seal their love.
Water Symbolism: As in many other fountains in Rome, water here represents purity and continuity. Drinking together is seen as a sign of hope for a bond that, like flowing water, never runs out.
Curiosities
Not everyone knows about the Fountain of Lovers: Although it is part of the Trevi Fountain, many visitors do not notice the Fountain of Lovers, discreetly placed on the right side. Only those who are aware of its history look for it specifically, making it a more intimate place for couples.
Coin legend: The famous tradition of tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain is said to have its origins in the film “Three Coins in the Fountain” (1954). However, the custom goes back much further: in ancient Rome, it was believed that tossing a coin into the sacred water sources helped secure one’s return to the city. Today, an estimated 3,000 euros in coins are collected in the Trevi Fountain every day!
Coins are donated to charity: The coins collected daily from the Trevi Fountain are not thrown away or stored, but are destined for Caritas of Rome, an organization that uses them to help the city’s less fortunate.
A film and a modern legend: The Trevi Fountain is also known for being the set for iconic scenes in Italian and international cinema, including the famous scene from Fellini’s La Dolce Vita. Although this scene is unrelated to the Fountain of Lovers, it has helped make the site a romantic and symbolic place, attracting thousands of couples each year.
Historical Location: The Trevi Fountain, built on an ancient Roman aqueduct, the Aqua Virgo, is one of the last aqueducts of antiquity still functioning and continues to supply water to the fountain itself, thus maintaining the link between ancient and modern Rome.