There's a Secret Archaeological Site Under the Trevi Fountain in Rome — and You Can Visit (2024)

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There's a Secret Archaeological Site Under the Trevi Fountain in Rome — and You Can Visit? ›

Vicus Caprarius, known as the City of Water, is an ancient Roman apartment complex located beneath the city's Trevi district, including its famed fountain. The archaeological site dates back to the first century, but wasn't discovered until the late 1990s.

While most of Rome's architectural treasures are well known and popular, there are some that remain hidden and untouched by tourists. This is the case with the mysterious site of Vicus Caprarius, hidden just underneath the famous Trevi Fountain.

Coins tossed in the fountain go directly to charity.

Legend has it that one coin thrown with the right hand over the left shoulder will guarantee you a safe return to Rome in the future, while a second coin will have your return met with romance. A third guarantees a Roman wedding.

Although the Vicus Caprarius no longer remains, a HUGE complex of ancient ruins lie hidden beneath the Trevi fountain, dating to the Imperial age. How can you see them? The entrance to the so-called “La Citta dell'Acqua” (City of Water) is just around the corner from the Trevi at Vicolo del Puttarello 25.

Tossing coins in the Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is said to be magical and a famous legend has been passed down for centuries. The myth states that if you throw a single coin into the fountain, you will return to Rome. Throw in two coins and you will fall in love with a good-looking Italian.

There is a fine (and it's not a negligeable one either)! “There are strict rules enforced to ensure visitors respect the site; eating and drinking on the steps leading down to the fountain incurs a fine of €500 ($600), while bathing in the waters of this and any Roman fountain is strictly forbidden.

It was red because an Italian activist, Graziano Cecchini, dyed its waters as a protest against corruption.

If you Jump in, You will Be Fined

Remember not to jump in the fountain! The local police will definitely catch you and will slap you with a 500€ fine!

The fountain features Neptune, god of the sea on a shell-shaped chariot pulled by two horses, each being guided by a Triton.

The myth of the Trevi Fountain

The myth, originating in 1954 with the movie "Three Coins in the Fountain," goes like this: If you throw one coin: you will return to Rome. If you throw two coins: you will fall in love with an attractive Italian. If you throw three coins: you will marry the person that you met.

What is the City of Water underneath? ›

The Vicus Caprarius, also known as the City of Water, is an archaeological area that stretches beneath the Rione Trevi and gives visitors the architecture of an authentic Roman domus. Despite dating back almost two thousand years, this archaeological area was not discovered until the late 1990s.

The Trevi Fountain is a 'must see'.

Entry to the Trevi Fountain is free. Anyone can go to the attraction.

When you are facing the Trevi fountain, look to its right side. Can you spot a little empty walkable space? If you look carefully you'll also notice a small fountain.. Walk through the crowds of selfie sticks and photographers and reach this corner of the Trevi fountain.. which oftentimes is actually empty!

It is where Italian film director Federico Fellini set one of the most famous scenes in cinema in La Dolce Vita, with Anita Ekberg wading into the fountain after midnight and beckoning Marcello Mastroianni to join her. Wading into its waters today is forbidden and tourists face fines if they do.

In 2022 Caritas collected 1.4 million euros ($1.52 million) from the fountain and it expects to have gathered even more in 2023. Rome is one of the world's most visited cities with 21 million tourists.