Barcaccia Fountain (Fontana della Barcaccia)

The Basics

Barcaccia means “old boat” in Italian, and the Fontana della Barcaccia’s Baroque design of a half-sunken ship is said to be modeled on a ship that was deposited on this spot after the Tiber river flooded in 1598. The fountain features two masks on either end of the central marble boat that spout water, and motifs featuring the sun and bees taken from the Barberini family coat of arms.

Rome walking tours or hop-on hop-off bus tours are a great way to see the Barcaccia Fountain along with the Spanish Steps and surrounding Piazza di Spagna. You can opt for a small-group or private fountain and square tour that also includes the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona, or a Rome highlights tour that stops at other famous attractions like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon—often with skip-the-line access. For a unique look at the fountain, consider joining a small-group night tour to see the fountain dramatically lit.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Sitting on and bathing in the fountain is forbidden, though you can drink the water from the fountain spouts.

• The fountain is encircled by a low metal fence and is not accessible to wheelchair users.

• The house where English poet John Keats lived, now a museum dedicated to his memory and works, is located just opposite the fountain.

• Be aware of your surroundings and watch for peddlers who will thrust a rose or other souvenir into your hand and then demand payment.

How to Get There

Metro line A runs from the Termini train station to Piazza di Spagna.

When to Get There

Piazza di Spagna and the Barcaccia Fountain are crowded most of the day, so you'll have to visit early in the morning or late at night if you want to enjoy them in relative peace. The fountain is a good stop during the midday hours in summer, when you can take a cool drink from the spouts.

Waters from the Acqua Vergine

The water flowing in the Barcaccia Fountain comes from the Acqua Vergine, an aqueduct built in 19 BC that still provides clean drinking water to much of central Rome.

Ways to explore

Rome walking tours and hop-on hop-off bus tours are a great way to see the Barcaccia Fountain, along with the Spanish Steps and the surrounding Piazza di Spagna. You can opt for a small-group or private fountain-and-square tour that also includes the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona or a Rome highlights tour that stops at other famous attractions like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon—often with skip-the-line access. For a unique look at the fountain, consider joining a small-group night tour to see the fountain dramatically lit.

Accessibility

The fountain is encircled by a low metal fence and is not accessible to wheelchair users.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera and battery pack, empty water bottle to fill at fountain

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, sun hat, sunscreen

Not allowed

Sitting on and bathing in the fountain is forbidden, though you can drink the water from the fountain spouts.

Amenities

Paid public restrooms, tourist information point, shops, restaurants

Address

The Barcaccia Fountain is located in Piazza di Spagna, walking distance from many of Rome’s most famous sights. The square also has a dedicated metro stop, so it is easy to reach by public transportation from locations across Rome.

Driving

The Piazza di Spagna area, where the Barcaccia Fountain is located, is set in an area of Rome where traffic is restricted. Avoid getting a fine and reach the square on foot or by using the metro.

Public transportation

Metro Line A stops just below Piazza di Spagna at the Spagna station. The A line connects with the B line under the Termini train station.

Best times to visit

Visit the Barcaccia Fountain in the early morning, before it becomes lined with crowds. It’s also a pretty sight by night, dramatically lit from below.

Best days to visit

Though Piazza di Spagna is never deserted, it is slightly less busy on weekdays. Weekends and holidays are generally busiest.

Best months to visit

There is no shade at the Barcaccia Fountain, so it is best to visit in the spring or fall to avoid the unforgiving summer temperatures.

Special events

The Spanish Steps are often used as the backdrop for special events, from fashion shows to open-air concerts. Check the Rome tourism website for updated information.