Our family had the opportunity to travel to Italy last Spring as part of our cruise, and one of the many family-friendly travel excursions we were lucky enough to experience was a visit to the Trevi Fountain.
This iconic landmark, nestled in a charming plaza, holds historical significance and offers a delightful atmosphere for children to explore art and local culture.
In this post, we’ll delve into the park surrounding the fountain, its captivating history, the tradition of tossing coins, and some fantastic nearby dining options for a complete family-friendly experience.
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Piazza di Trevi – a fun, family-friendly travel destination in Rome
The Trevi Fountain is in the heart of Rome’s historic center, in the Quirinale district, and is part of a beautiful square, Piazza di Trevi, designed by Nicola Salvia in 1732. It is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome. The Travertine fountain, which is 85 feet high and 160 feet wide, stands as a triumphal arch, with Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, at its center. The sculptures depict various mythological figures and marine creatures, symbolizing the importance of water in Roman history and culture.
One of the most popular family-friendly traditions for travelers associated with a visit to the Trevi Fountain is tossing coins into the water. It is believed that throwing a coin over your shoulder into the fountain ensures your return to Rome. Children delight in participating in this time-honored tradition, making a wish as they toss their coin into the crystal-clear waters, and it’s for a great cause.
In 2001, the mayor of Rome decided that the money left in the fountain should be used for the good of the people. Therefore, all collected monies are regularly donated to Rome’s Catholic charity.
While the fountain itself is the main attraction, the square is also a wonder to behold, and the journey to get there is an adventure that is distinctly Rome. With winding, narrow streets, bustling cafes, and gelato shops galore, this is a perfect morning adventure, and you can grab lunch when you’re done.
Family-friendly places to eat Pizza and Gelato in Piazza di Trevi
The area offers a variety of excellent dining options suitable for all tastes and preferences. On our visit, we settled on Melogranos, but there’s an abundance of options with stellar reviews online for you to consider yourself:
- Da Sabatino: This cozy trattoria offers delicious homemade pasta dishes, pizzas, and traditional Roman cuisine. The warm and friendly atmosphere makes it a great choice for families.
- Gelateria Valentino: Indulge in authentic Italian gelato at this charming gelateria, just a short walk from the Trevi Fountain. With a wide range of flavors, everyone in the family will find their favorite.
- Renato e Luisa: This family-run restaurant serves delectable Italian cuisine with a modern twist. From homemade pasta to mouthwatering desserts, the menu will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
- Melogranos: If you’re looking for a family-style spot to grab a pizza and some gelato, Melogranos is where it’s at. The pizza was delicious, fresh, and hot, with ample selections for even the pickiest eaters, and the gelato was out of this world.
3 Family-friendly Travel Tips to Get the Most out of your visit to the Trevi Fountain
While we wouldn’t consider a visit to the Trevi Fountain as a must-do for every family that is visiting Rome, if you are in the area, it’s worth the stop with the following tips in mind:
- Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid large crowds. Seriously, this place is crowded. It’s easy to get separated from your group and difficult to navigate from one end to the other, so if you have little ones, this may be one spot to avoid.
- Rome is notorious for pickpockets and petty crime, and Piazza di Trevi is the perfect hunting ground for pickpockets. Keep your valuables hidden. Put bookbags on the front of your body.
- Teach your children about the historical significance of the fountain before your visit. It’s much more fun for them if they know who the represented Roman Gods are in the fountain and why they’re important.
The Trevi Fountain provides a captivating and family-friendly experience in the heart of Rome. With its stunning park, rich history, the tradition of tossing coins, and a variety of nearby dining options, it offers a perfect blend of culture, entertainment, and culinary delights for the whole family.
TheyFlySolo’s review? We’d give the Trevi Fountain a 4/5.