Trevi Fountain to Piazza Navona walk itinerary – with map and 11 attractions

This walk from Trevi Fountain to Piazza Navona goes through 11 stops and includes a few hidden gems I found in my 5 years in Rome, besides a few popular places

You can do this walk either during the day or during the night, for a more romantic experience with the streetlights.

I have added below also a little extension which I suggest if you are looking for a restaurant for lunch or dinner.

But now let’s dig into it.

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You need roughly half a day for this walk.

My suggested starting time is in the afternoon so that you can have dinner in one of the many restaurants in Campo dei Fiori, the last stop of this walk.

Alternatively, you can think of doing it also after dinner to have a romantic walk under the beautiful streetlights of the eternal city.

Campo dei Fiori, your last visited spot in this itinerary, is also one of the most famous movida place (late drinking) in Rome 

The map above includes also an extension from Trevi Fountain to Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum. Add this part for a full day experience.

Trevi Fountain

This is the starting point of this walk and probably the most famous fountain in the world, thanks to the popular bath of Anita Ekberg in the Fellini masterpiece La Dolce Vita

In the Quirinale district of Rome, the Trevi Fountain was one of the earliest sources of water.

After being closed for some time, Fendi (the fashion house) renovated it and reopened it.

It receives between seven and ten million visitors, day and night.

Travertine stone is used to construct the fountain, which has a capacity of 2,824,800 cubic feet of recycled water!

Tradition dictates that you throw a coin into the water of the Trevi Fountain when you visit.

You never know, your wish might come true!

Coins thrown into the water are usually collected in the night by an Italian charity called Caritas.

Rechargeable shopping cards are then bought for needy Rome residents by this organisation.

You can view the site for free, of course. Nevertheless, you may not be aware that there is even more to see in the underground of the Trevi Fountain, a hidden gem that not everyone knows about.

This Organised Tour includes a guided tour of the fountain itself and the secluded foundation.

Trevi Fountain Underground Tour

Basilica di Sant’Andrea delle Fratte

Once you leave the Trevi Fountain, direction the Spanish Square, you will see on your way the Basilica di Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, built in the 12th Century.

Thanks to funding from the Marquis Ottavio del Bufalo family, massive renovations were done from 1604 to 1612.

Evidence of their contributions can be seen in the bell tower and church portal – their buffalo coat of arms.

Work continued on the site to 1691.

What makes this church iconic?

First, it is the combination of concave and convex surfaces.

You will also notice the white marble in the campanile.

Angels sit on the circular columns held by square bases.

Inside the church, there are 3 small tiny chapels on either side of the church entrance.

The presbytery has two of the most beautiful angels in the basilica, so beautiful that copies have been installed instead!

The originals are stored in a vault because too valuable.

Spanish Square & Spanish Steps

The Spanish Square and the steps are a must-see during your tour.

The Square, or Piazza, is characterised by its yellow and brownish buildings.

It is located at the base of Pincio Hill and it is a popular place to see and and be seen. 

The uniquely built Bernini’s Fountain is the masterpiece of the square, aside form the steps of course

It seems to face the Church of SS. Trinità Dei Monti, which you can see as you go up the steps.

The fountain centrepiece is shaped like a boat that is immersed in the water.

Water sprouts from cannons on the side of the piece and you can see coats of arms on the bow and stern.

The Spanish Steps are made of 11 ramps with 12 steps each.

They were inaugurated back in 1725 by Pope Benedict XIII, although they were finished in 1726, after three years of work.

The steps underwent major restorations in 1995 and 2015.

Maison Bulgari ensured that the steps were restored to their original glory and reopened for use in September 2016.

Famed fashion brands like Valentino, Gucci and Bulgari have stores in the Piazza.

There are many shops and even hotels in the area, making it a perfect stop for visitors.

Via Condotti and the designer boutiques

Once you leave Spanish Square, take the pretentious Via Condotti, renowned for its famous and luxurious fashion brands besides the historic Cafe Greco.

This is one of the most popular streets in Rome for a walk, crowded on weekends.

Then turn on the first street on the left, Via Bocca di Leone, a cobblestone lane that will connect you to another popular shopping street, Via Borgognona, with its well-know small fashion boutiques.

This entire area is popular with the elite and celebrities of Rome that come here for the expensive shopping and, of course, to be seen (look out for the paparazzi around)

Keep going till you will cross the central Via Del Corso and you will enter St Lawrence Square (Piazza di S. Lorenzo in Lucina).

Basilica of Saint Lawrence in Lucina

This is a hidden gem that not as many travellers are aware of.

The Basilica, located in the square of the same name, has a simple facade that almost disappears between the beautiful buildings around.

The bell tower is almost hidden behind the unassuming gate.

But enter and you will be absolutely surprised by its magnificent interior.

The original set-up had many side aisles, which were blocked off and chapels were created instead.

These chapels were turned into mausoleums by the rich families in the area.

The narthex has a sloping tiled roof and is held up by granite columns.

This area has changed over time, but you can still see remnants of its original design.

On the right-hand aisle behind the narthex is a brick bell tower that was installed during one of the many renovations.

Inside the narthex are four inscriptions from the 12th century.

Here you will find a tomb within the wall of a 15th century bishop.

There is also a carving of a memorial to Clelia Severini, made in the 19th century, after the sudden death of the daughter of an important Roman layer.

Back to Via del Corso, turn left and walk around 200m till you see on your right side the imposing Piazza di Monte Citorio.

Montecitorio & Chigi Palace

This is one of my favourite square in Rome, especially late in the day and night, with its beautiful streetlights.

These two palaces were built in the 16th and 17th century and they are today used by the Italian Chamber of Deputies and as the official residence of the Italian Prime Minister.

The Piazza where you find Palazzo de Montecitorio is at the heart of Rome and a loved tourist destination.

It was designed by Bernini for Pope Gregory XV’s nephew.

Upon the death of the Pope, construction was halted.

When it resumed, a belfry was added to the top of the Palazzo.

At the centre is a sundial made with an obelisk bought from Augustus Caesar (the famous Caesar).

Chigi Palace overlooks the Piazza Colonna and Via Del Corso.

The place started as a combination of houses purchased in that area.

By 1659, the place was bought by the House of Chigi, hence the name it holds to date.

The Chigi Palace has a beautiful courtyard with a fountain.

As you enter the building, it has 5 floors and each living room has a wide flight of steps leading to them.

The palace housed many prominent figures in its time.

The one and only Mozart held a concert there on April 1770.

At the turn of the 20th century, it was the base of multiple citizen demonstrations.

They were demanding the independence of Trieste and Trento.

As you walk around, don’t be surprised to see cameras and reporters around the palace.  

They all try to have interviews with the politicians working in the two palaces.

Adriano Temple

From the Montecitorio Square, head south and take Via della Guglia, a hidden lane that almost ends in Piazza di Pietra, a narrow and long one, where you will find another secret gem of Rome, the Adriano Temple.

You may think it is just a facade of a collapsed Roman building but enter inside and you will be surprised.

By the way, entrance is free of charge, which always helps with the budget, isn’t it?

The temple was built within the ancient area of Rome called Campus Martius.

The temple went through tough times, and it was mostly sitting in ruins by the 17th century.

In 1695 it was incorporated into a papal palace.

The original column pedestals displayed trophies, weapons and reliefs representing the provinces at the time.

These pieces have since been moved to secure museums all over Rome.

The 11 columns in the facade are still the original ones, still standing there from the Roman Empire.

As you enter the building, you can see that major renovations that have been done.

When you stand outside the building, you can see the exposed foundation of Ancient Rome.

It has been dug out for visitors to see.

Inside, you can see also a projected film depicting the history of Rome and the Adriano Temple.

Pantheon

Once you leave the Adriano Temple and head east on Via dei Pastini, direction Piazza Navona, you will end up in Piazza della Rotonda, where you will see the Pantheon, a temple built over 2,000 years ago.

It is currently the world’s oldest and largest unreinforced concrete structure

Its large columns are the standout feature of this site.

There are 8 large ones in the first row and 2 sets of 4 in the second row.

The porch leading to the rotunda is linked to a rectangular vestibule.

All this is held by a concrete dome with an opening at the centre where you can see the sky.

When you enter the Pantheon, you will notice that there are multiple works of art.

This is also the location of many tombs belonging to past Italian Kings.

It is interesting to note that Raphael, the painter and Renaissance architect, lays here.

As you walk around the Pantheon structure, you will see many bars, restaurants, and stores.

In addition, you can enjoy music from live bands and marvel at street artists working on their pieces.

On a hot day, or just if you are after a small treat, you can think of doing a minor detour to the Gelateria della Palma, for one of the best ice cream in Rome.

I couldn’t stop going there when I lived in Rome 🙂

Madama Palace

This is the last intermediate stop on the Trevi Fountain to Piazza Navona walk, the Madama Palace.

This is another little gem because you may pass it and not even notice it, almost hidden on a small street behind Navona Square.

The Madame Palace has quite an interesting history. 

The building was erected by the Medici family in the 15th century to host the members of the family that were interested in climbing up the ladder of the Vatican State.

In fact, two popes in the 16th century, Leo X and Clement VII, were originally from the Medici family.

The building was then used by the Vatican for its Papal Government and ministers’ offices

Only in 1871, the building changed hands to the new Kingdom of Italy.

Since then, Palazzo Madama has been used to host the Italian Senate of the Kingdom first and the Republic later.

Usually you can explore inside the Palace on the first Saturday of the month, free of charge.

Unfortunately, the visits have been temporarily suspended because of the Covid emergency.

You can check the official website to read about the latest change.

Navona Square

And here is the final stop of this interesting walk in the historical centre of Rome, Navona Square, one of the oldest squares in the world, over 2,000 years old.

The square was built in place of the Stadium of Domitian.

It was used back in the day for horse races and athletic competitions.

The remains can be seen underneath a building on the piazza.

The piazza was well known because of festivals and other forms of entertainment for those who visited the area.

Here, you will see the Pamphilj Palace, which hosts the Brazilian Embassy.

The Church of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart is located in front of it.

There are 3 fountains in the square.

The most interesting one is the Fountain of the Four Rivers. This has a cliff with 4 cave openings.

The openings have marble statues of the four rivers which depict the continents.

You will be amazed at the different statues, each with a different design.

The architectural masterpiece of the cliff also holds 2 coats of arms that belong to the Pope’s family and a bronze dove carrying an olive branch.

Campo dei Fiori

It has been a long, however interesting, walk and what a better time for a drink or some food or both.

Now, one of my favourite hangouts in Rome is Campo dei Fiori, a massive square used during the day for the local market and in the nights as a meeting point by the Romans.

The great things is that it is just 200-300 metres from Navona Square, so easy to get there.

It’s a busy place in the evening/night with lots of bars and restaurant distributing the own tables where the stands are in the daytime.

Check out the fashionable Luciano Restaurant for the famous Carbonara Pasta or Hostaria Farnese, an iconic family-run tavern.

In the area you should check out for a drink Argot, even just to have a look at the amazingly old interior design, and L’Angolo Divino, the perfect wine bar to taste and enjoy the last hours of the day.

More photos about the walk from the Trevi Fountain to Piazza Navona