The district called Trevi is the 2nd rione of Rome. In the times of the Roman Republic it existed of two separate rioni, Alta Semita and via Lata. Its main attraction is of course the Trevi Fountain.
Rione Trevi tourist attractions, what to see and do
The most famous monument in the area is of course the Trevi Fountain. In the Via del Nazzareno a part of the aqueduct leading water to fountain is still visible. The back of the fountain is built against the Palazzo Poli, seat of the Istituto Nazionale per la Grafica, and faces the Piazza di Trevi, with the church of the saints Vincenzo and Anastasio. The church of Santa Maria in Trivio is located in the piazza to the left of the fountain.
The Palazzo Cornaro is a government building behind the Trevi Fountain. The Palazzo Carpegna across the road is the seat of the Accademia di San Luca.
The Via dei Modelli leads from the Piazza di Trevi to the Piazza Scanderbeg and the palace of the same name. An underground archaeological area known as Vicus Caprarius is located in a side street.
Piazza Venezia, Rome’s most central square, is towered over by the Monument for Vittorio Emanuele II. Palazzo Bonaparte, which is used for temporary exhibitions, is located at the corner with the Via del Corso.
The Via Quattro Novembre connects the Largo Magnanapoli to Piazza Venezia. The top terrace of the ruins of Trajan’s Markets has been transformed into the Museo dei Fori Imperiali. The medieval Torre delle Milizie is located on the grounds of the complex, but cannot be visited.
Piazza Barberini is a beautiful square and would be even more so if it wasn’t as heavily trafficked as it is. Bernini‘s central Fontana del Tritone is often completely covered in soot. Several important streets lead away from this square.
The Piazza del Quirinale is lined by some impressive buildings, including the Palazzo del Quirinale (residency of the Italian president) and the Palazzo della Consulta (headquarters of the Constitutional Court). The former stables of the palace now host a museum called Scuderie del Quirinale. The Fountain of the Dioscuri with the Quirinal Obelisk is the only decoration in the square itself.
The main attraction of the Piazza San Silvestro is the Basilica of San Silvestro in Capite. The church of the Santi Andrea and Claudio dei Borgognoni is located just outside the square.
The Basilica dei Santi XII Apostoli is located in the square of the same name. Palazzo Colonna, seat of the Galleria Colonna, is in the same block. The street is further bookended by the Palazzo Muti-Papazzurri on the one, and the Wax Museum on the other end.
Main streets in the Trevi district
The Via del Tritone is named for the fountain in the Piazza Barberini. It connects this square to Rome’s most famous shopping street, Via del Corso. buildings lining the street include the church of Santa Maria Odigitria.
Part of the Via del Corso is located inside the rione Trevi. The Palazzo Chigi-Odescalchi, sandwiched between the Via del Corso and the Piazza dei Santi Apostoli is graced by a rare privately owned painting by Caravaggio. Several churches, including the San Marcello al Corso, the church of Santa Maria in Via Lata and the Chiesa di Gesù e Maria in Via Lata and the church of Santa Maria in Via line this part of the street. (Via Lata was the original name of the Via del Corso). Buildings of importance include the 16th century Palazzo Ruspoli.
The Palazzo Sciarra, seat of the Galleria Sciarra, is located just off the Via del Corso.
Together with the Four Fountains the street is named for, the Palazzo Barberini and the National Gallery of Ancient Art form the main attraction in the Via delle Quattro Fontane. Sant’Andrea degli Scozzesi is a smaller church and is hardly ever open.
The churches of Sant’Andrea al Quirinale and San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane are located in the Via del Quirinale. After the four fountains, this street becomes Via XX Settembre. The main church in this street is the church of Santa Susanna, which has unfortunately not opened its doors for years.
The church of Santa Maria di Loreto is located at the end of the Via dei Fori Imperiali, next to the church of the Santissimo Nome di Maria.
The Oratorio del Crocifisso was designed by Giacomo della Porta.
The church of San Nicola di Tolentino lent its name to the street.
Other points of interest
Churches: Madonna dell’Archetto, Oratorio del Santissimo Sacramento al Tritone, Santa Maria del Carmine alle Tre Cannelle, Santa Maria dell’Umiltà, San Basilio agli Orti Sallustiani, San Silvestro al Quirinale, Santa Croce e San Bonaventura alla Pilotta, Santa Maria delle Vergini.
Historical buildings: Palazzo Gentili del Drago, Palazzo Mengarini Albertini Carandini, Palazzo Antonelli.
Some ruins of the Acquedotto Vergine are visible in the Via del Nazareno.
A brief history of the Trevi District in Rome (R. II)
The name Trevi is supposed to be of Latin origin, the word trivium referring to the three streets leading to the Piazza dei Crociferi, near the Trevi Fountain.
In the times of the empire the part of Rome near the river was densely populated, whereas the areas on higher land were quieter and populated by fewer, but wealthier Romans. After the fall of the empire people moved to lower grounds whereas construction on the higher parts of the city came to a standstill.
In the Renaissance period many churches and fountains were built in the area. The Pope owned a lot of property in the area around the Quirinal hill, which added to its prestige and importance.
During the reign of Napoleon the Quirinal was to become the center of Imperial power. Unfortunately for the man his empire crumbled before he could fulfill his plans.
The Quirinal did get an important role when Rome became Italy‘s capital, in 1870.
Accommodation in the Trevi district
Because of its central position, you will hardly need public transportation when exploring the city. Most of the major sites are less than 30 minutes on foot from the rione Trevi and from the Piazza Venezia there are buses in all directions. The Barberini metro stop is located at the northern edge of the district.
The alleys around the fountain are also characterized by the outdoor dining options. Note that there is not much space, however, so you might want to book a table in advance. Accommodation can be hard to come by and is generally not cheap.
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