All you need to know about La Barcaccia Fountain at the Spanish Steps, Rome: fun facts, its history and tips for visiting.
La Barcaccia is the beautiful and peculiar fountain at the bottom of the Spanish Steps in Rome PIazza Venezia.
It is one of the most famous fountains in Rome and a creation by one of the most famous artists ever lived in the city: Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who sculpted it with his father.
La Barcaccia is a popular and fascinating sight: easy to find and free to visit, La Barcaccia is a must see on a first tip to Rome.
This is all you need to know about one of Rome’ most famous fountains.
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Facts about La Barcaccia Fountain in Rome
| Name | La Barcaccia (lit. The Bad Ship) / Fontana della Barcaccia |
| Year of construction | 1629 |
| Authors | Pietro and Gian Lorenzo Bernini |
| Client | Pope Urban VIII Barberini |
| Material | Travertine |
| Water source | Acquedotto Vergine (Virgo Aqueduct) |
| Address | Piazza di Spagna, Rome |
| Opening Hours | N/A |
| Cost of visit | Free |
A quick history of La Barcaccia Fountain, Rome
In 1626, Pope Urban VIII Barberini commissioned Pietro Bernini to construct a fountain in Pizza di Spagna, as part of an older project aimed at upgrading water sources in the city.
Pietro Bernini took to the task but quickly came across a practical issue.
The water pressure in this part to they city was very low and this meant that the construction of a monumental fountain with sprays and impressive water games was simply not possible.
To overcome this difficulty, he came up with an innovative design.
With the help of his son, the then not-yet famous Gian Lorenzo Bernini, he imagined the fountain in the shape of a sinking boat and sculpted the vessels as if it was a piece of art, to compensate for the rather modest water quantity.
The boat is indeed marvellous and quickly became a huge success and remains one of the most famous fountains in Rome to this day.
La Barcaccia fountain: symbols and history
La Barcaccia fountain has a central water basin in the shape of a boat.
The vessel has remarkable low sides, a sunken central area and tall bow and stern.
On the bow and stern two faces in the shape of suns spill water onto the central part of the boat that operates as the main collection basin of the fountain.
The whole vessel looks at if contained by a larger container, filled by the water overflowing from inside the boat.
The result makes the fountain look like a sinking ship, hence its name.
The boat is completed with the coat of arms of the Barberini family, with its distinctive bees.
The choice of a sinking ship as a central piece in an elegant Rome square was peculiar and quickly legends developed about the origins of this choice.
Several took hold.
According to some, la Barcaccia was inspired by a boat carried onto this very location by an unusually high river flood in 1598.
The presence of a wreck so far from the river had left an impression on the locals and had become the stuff of legends.
According to this interpretation, Bernini chose the theme to root his creation in the history of the location, creating a continuity and a sense of belonging.
Others say that this was a nod to the ancient use of carrying out naval battles (naumachie) as a form of entertainment for the Roman people – this interpretation, while possible, doesn’t however seem to match the location, not historically associated with this type of performance.
Others again believe the boat represented a special type of vessel for the transport of barrels traditionally used on the Tiber.
How to see La Barcaccia
La Barcaccia is in the center of Piazza di Spagna, at the bottom of the Spanish Steps.
Access to the square and the fountain is free; the area is accessible 24/7.
Please note: entering into the fountain is strictly prohibited.
Piazza di Spagna is one of the most beautiful piazzas in Tome and it attracts large numbers of visitors. because of this, the best way to enjoy La Barcaccia is to come here in the quietest times of day, ideally early in the morning or at sunset.
If you come at sunset, you will find an exceptionally romantic atmosphere. If you are thinking of a big gesture, you’d love to hear this is one of the best places in Rome to propose!
You can bet to Piazza di Spagna by Metro (Spagna, Linea A) or on foot.
The square is mostly closed to traffic and it paving it traditional Roman sanpietrini (cobbles): good shoes with rubber soles are recommended.
You can find here >>> my tips for picking the best shoes for Rome travel
Tours that include La Barcaccia Fountain
All tours that include Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps will also stop at La Barcaccia. Some you may enjoy are:
Free Walking Tour of Rome by Civitatis – starts at the Spanish Steps
Private walking tour of Rome city center – starts at the Spanish Steps
Rome 3-hour walking tour of the city center
Rome highlights walking tour (includes Piazza di Spagna)
What to see near La Barcaccia
La Barcaccia is in the center of Piazza di Spagna, in close proximity to many attractions.
Some you may want to seek out are:
The Spanish Steps / Trinita’ de’ Monti – click for our guide
Colonna dell’Immacolata – one of Rome’s most famous columns
Via dei Condotti – elegant shopping street
Via Margutta – elegant street famous for art galleries
Piazza del Popolo – famous Rome piazza by architect Valadier
Via del Corso – important shopping street
Other important fountains by Bernini
Bernini was an exceptionally prolific sculpture and left in Rome, among other things, several fountains worth seeing.
Three worth mentioning here are:
The Fountain of the Four Rivers, maybe his most famous, in Piazza Navona
The two fountains in Piazza del Tritone, in the Trevi district both commissioned by the Barberini family and decorated with the distinctive Barberini’s bees: the Fountain of Triton and the Fountain of the Bees.
Worth mentioning are also the Fountain of the Turtles and the Fountain of the Moor.
While not entirely by Bernini, they were both remodelled by him and therefore deserve a mention under his name as well as that of their original creator: Giacomo Dalla Porta.
Find here >>> our guide to finding Bernini work in Rome (and ideas for a Bernini in Rome self guided itinerary).
Best hotels near Barcaccia Fountain
Many elegant hotels are near the Spanish Steps and therefore near La Barcaccia.
Some you may enjoy are:
Hotel Hassler – historic 5 star hotel on top of the Spanish Steps
The Inn at the Spanish Steps – 5 star property with rooms and suites
Hotel de Russie – historic 5 star property with famous Jardin de Russia restaurant and Stravinsky cocktails bar
Hotel Mozart – 4 star hotel close to the Spanish Steps with well appointed rooms and a pretty rooftop garden
Not sure how to include this attraction in your Rome itinerary? Check our Rome itinerary suggestions below:
Rome in a day: detailed Rome city centre itinerary for first time visitors
Rome in two days A detailed itinerary for two full days in Rome
Rome in three daysRome in four days – day-by-day 3 day Rome itinerary
Rome in five days – complete Rome itinerary with main attractions and less usual sites for visitors with more time in the city
Traveling to Rome with kids? Find our family guide to Rome here.
Fountain of La Barcaccia Rome – Pin this!
