All you need to know about the Triton fountain in Rome by Bernini, one of Rome’s most famous fountains. Facts, history, tips for visiting.
Bernini’s Triton Fountain is one of the most overlooked yet most beautiful fountains in Rome.
Located in the center of busy Piazza Barberini, between Via Veneto and Via del Tritone, the fountain doesn’t get as many visitors as more monumental ones such as the Trevi Fountain or the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona.
However, it is a must see for Bernini lovers and an interesting fountains to notice if you are in the Trevi district.
This s all you need to know about this peculiar fountain and tips for visiting.
Rome Triton Fountain facts
| Name | Fontana del Tritone (Fountain of the Triton / Triton Fountain) |
| Author | Gian Lorenzo Bernini |
| Client | Pope Urban VIII Barberini |
| Year of construction | 1642-43 |
| Material | Travertine |
| Style | Baroque |
| Water source | Acquedotto Felice |
| Address | Piazza del Tritone, 00187 Rome |
| Opening Hours | N/N |
| Ticket / Admissions | N/A |
Fountain of the triton by Bernini: quick history
The Fountain of the Triton is the first free standing fountain built by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
He received commission from this work by Pope Urban VIII Barberini, one of his most frequent and enthusiastic patrons, and set to work in 1642. The fountain was unveiled the year after.
The fountain was innovative at the time.
The presence of Tritons in water feature was common in gardens and villas.
However, it had never been applied to an inner city, urban setting and was the start of a significant trend in the city.
Nowadays, Rome has many fountains evoking such a theme however, Bernini’s Triton fountain is still somewhat unique.
The piazza around it developed to be a bustling junction with cars and buses and Bernini’s statue stands out as an unexpected, almost out of place yet beautiful piece of garden decor in a very urban setting!
Fun fact! Composer Respighi loved this fountain and included it in his composition ‘The Fountains of Rome’, devoting to it the second movement ‘La Fontana del Tritone al Mattino’.
Fountain of the Triton: description and symbols
Bernini’s fountain of the Triton takes its name for its main figure.
In the center of the composition, Bernini placed an imposing, muscular male figure of a triton (mar-man): he is sculpted in a kneeling position, while holding a shell above his head from where water cascaded onto his body and a water basin below.
Below him, under a large shell operating as the main water basin of the fountain, there are four dolphins, supporting the shell with their tails.
To evoke and honor the Barberini family, financing the work, the fountain also has the Barberini family crest, with the distinctive bees, and sets of crossed keys, symbols of Papacy.
How to visit the Triton’s Fountain
The Fountain of the Triton is in the middle of Piazzas Barbeini and it easy to see while walking in the Trevi district or on the way to the Spanish Steps.
The piazza is a busy junction but the fountains sits in a large central area that is traffic free and allows for pretty photos.
Metro stop Barberini leaves you on this square: you will see the fountain as soon as you exit the metro station.
Buses serving the piazza are : 52, 53, 61, 63, 80, 80L, 85, 160, 630,
You can also walk here from the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.
What to see close to the Triton Fountain in Piazza Barberini
The Triton Fountain is close to several attractions.
Those closest to it worth seeing are:
For a complete guide to the area, I recommend you have a look at my visitors’ guide to the Trevi District.
Palazzo Barberini, now the seat of the National Gallery of Ancient Art and one of the best museums in Rome
Trevi Fountain – the most famous fountain in Rome!
The Spanish Steps – one of Rome’s most iconic sites
The Bountain of the Bees – a small, lesser known fountain on the same square as the Foutain of the Triton, also work of Bernini
The Coronaro Chapel – a stunning chapel in the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria, with a stunning statue of St Therese by Bernini, one of the most beautiful and famous statues in Rome.
Other important Bernini Fountains in Rome
Bernini was one of the most prolific sculptures and architects in Rome and left many works of art in the city.
Among hist most famous fountain, worth a mention are:
The Fountain of the Four Rivers, at the center of Piazza Navona
La Barcaccia, at the bottom of the Spanish Steps
If you love to learn more about Bernini’s masterpieces, you can read here >>>> our guide to finding Bernini’s work in Rome.
Bernini’s Triton Fountain in Rome – pin this
