Fontana di Santa Maria in Trastevere — Attraction in Rome

Stopping in Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere feels like stepping into the heart of Rome’s soul. At its center stands the Fontana di Santa Maria in Trastevere, believed to be the oldest fountain in Rome, dating back to the 8th century. Though it has been restored several times—most notably by Bramante and later Bernini—the fountain has always remained a gathering point for locals and visitors alike. Its gentle trickle provides the perfect backdrop to the lively atmosphere of the square, where street musicians, artists, and everyday Roman life unfold around you.

As the evening sets in, we grabbed an Aperol Spritz from a nearby café, settled into our seats, and simply watched the world go by. The golden glow of the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere illuminated the square, making the moment feel almost timeless. The mix of history, local energy, and the relaxed Roman pace makes this piazza one of the most enchanting places to soak in the city’s essence.

If you’re looking for a place to pause, sip, and take in Rome at its...

The Basilica of St. Mary in Trastevere (Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere) is a titular church, one of the oldest churches in Rome, founded by St. Callisto. According to legend, the church founded Callistus I in 217-222, but it is more likely that it was his home where a group of Christian meetings were held. A temple building was erected here by Julius I between 340 and 352. In the 8th and 9th centuries the church underwent reconstruction, during which aisles were added. At that time, the relics of St. Callistus transferred from the catacombs. The basilica is a church with three naves, divided by 21 granite columns. The wooden ceiling was designed in 1617, in the center is the painting of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The cyborium was placed in the presbytery on four columns, under the main altar there are relics of saints: Callistus, Cornelius, Julius and Calepodius, who were moved to this place from the catacombs in 790. The apse is decorated...

It seems there has been a fountain at this location in the middle of Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere at least since the 8th century, potentially making this the oldest in the entire city of Rome.

Several notable Italian architects designed and modified the fountain that you see today, starting in the early 16th-century and including the likes of Donato Bramante, Carlo Rainaldi, Bernini and Carlo Fontana.

What you see is a bowl placed on a pedestal in the middle of an octagonal shaped basin with ornamentation featuring inward facing sea shells with sculpted Coat of Arms facing the outside of the fountain. The basin is surrounded by set of seven steps leading up to the fountain.

Definitely worth a look if planning to visit Basilica of Santa Maria...