The most beautiful fountains in Rome. If one thinks of Rome and its numerous fountains, there is one fountain, even the ones who are not into traveling think of immediately. The Trevi Fountain. Nevertheless, one should not forget that there are many other fabulous fountains in Rome besides the Trevi Fountain. Well – how boring, you think? You’re wrong! In this article you will find information and facts about the most beautiful fountains in Rome and why they are anything but boring.
The most beautiful fountains in Rome: The top 7 of the most beautiful fountains in Rome
Rome is also called “Città dell’acqua” – the city of water. This is not by chance. The size of ancient Rome was based mainly on water! Thanks to its aqueducts and advanced water network, Roman civilization took shape. The traces of antiquity are a living part of the city in Rome. Even today, water is an indispensable element of the eternal city. So you will find wells at almost all the famous monuments and squares of Rome. They adorn the streets, enliven squares and make Rome, then and now, a unique city that captivates every visitor. The famous Fontana di Trevi you all know, it is just one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome.
1. The most beautiful fountains in Rome: La Fontana di Trevi – The Trevi Fountain
Who, if not this one, could open the list of the most beautiful fountains in Rome? The Trevi Fountain, in Italian the Fontana di Trevi, adorns the piazza of the same name and is undisputedly the most famous fountain in Rome. Whether you’ve seen the movie or not, everyone knows the famous scene of “La Dolce Vita”, in which Anita Ekberg enters the fountain and Marcello Mastroianni invites her to swim!
At almost 50 meters wide and 26 meters high, the Trevi Fountain is the largest fountain in Rome. The central theme of the fountain is the sea. In the middle of the fountain you can see the statue of the Sea God, accompanied by a shell-shaped chariot pulled by two horses. One of the sea-horses is calm, while the other one is wild and upset, reflecting the vagaries of the sea. In any case, the Trevi Fountain is not only considered one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome, but even the whole world.
It is the end point of the ancient aqueduct Aqua Virgo. In its late Baroque form, it was built between 1732 and 1762 according to the plans of Nicola Salvi. Numerous legends are told after this well. For example, that it brings luck to throw coins with the left hand over the right shoulder in the well. A coin leads to a safe return to Rome. Two coins to make the thrower fall in love with a Roman. And three coins would lead to a marriage with the right person.
You can read more about the Trevi fountain and its secrets in my article on the Fontana di Trevi.
2. The most beautiful fountains in Rome: La fontana della Barcaccia – The Barge Fountain
Next to the Trevi Fountain, the Fontana della Barcaccia (the Barge Fountain) is undoubtedly one of the most famous fountains in the Italian capital. You will find it in the enchanting Piazza di Spagna at the end of the Trinità dei Monti, also known as the Spanish Steps. It was built 100 years after the construction of the fountain in boat shape.
The Fontana della Barcaccia is the result of the exceptional genius of Pietro Bernini. It was built between 1627 and 1629 and commissioned by the Catholic Church, which at that time was demonstrating its power through the construction of imposing fountains.
Legend has it that the shape of the fountain was inspired by a boat that had arrived there since the Flood of the Tiber in 1598.
3. The most beautiful fountains in Rome: La Fontana the Quattro Fiumi (The four rivers fountain)
This work of art is another showpiece of the genius of Bernini and is located in the center of Piazza Navona in the heart of the Roman old town. The name of the work derives from the four rivers Nile, Ganges, Danube and Rio della Plata. These rivers represented by four colossal figures are supposed to embody the then four known continents.
The architectural complex is crowned by the dove of the Holy Spirit. The beast was the symbol of Pope Innocent X, who commissioned the well. But it could also mean the triumph of the Catholic Church on every continent.
Another curiosity of the fountain: The statue, which is to represent the Rio della Plata, seems to raise a hand to protect itself from the possible collapse of the dome of the adjacent church of S. Agnese. According to tradition, this element is a means by which Bernini wanted to reduce the work of his bitter rival to the architect Borromini, who built the church.
4. The most beautiful fountains in Rome: La fontana delle Naiadi – the Naiad Fountain
In the center of Piazza della Repubblica, just a few steps from Roma Termini Central Station, you will find this bubbling work. It was done by the sculptor Mario Rutelli and is dating back to 1901. At that time, the fountain made him very popular due to the attractiveness of the four sea nymphs, the eponymous naiads represents a big stir.
The four nymphs play with animals that represent the four types of waters. The swan for the lakes, the water snake for the rivers, the lizard for the subterranean waters, and finally the hippocampus for the oceans. In the center stands (but only since 1912) the sea god Glauko and should symbolize the superiority of man over nature. Especially in the evening, when the fountain and the surrounding square are illuminated, the fountain unfolds its very special beauty.
5. The most beautiful fountains in Rome: La Fontana delle Tartarughe – The Turtle Fountain
This fountain is hidden in the small Piazza Mattei, in the middle of the Roman city center (roughly in the middle between the Largo Torre Argentina, Piazza Venezia and the banks of the Tiber). Despite its relative unfamiliarity, the Fountain of Taddeo Landini, built between 1581 and 1588, is not only a small gem for turtle fans. He is associated with a funny story.
According to legend, Duke Mattei, whose palace overlooks the square where the fountain is located, had the fountain built in just one night, as he wanted to make an impression on his future father-in-law. After looking out of the window to admire the work, Mattei had the palace window walled so nobody else could enjoy the sight. Although the window is walled up to this day, the story is still unbelievable, because the said palace was not built until 1616, years later after the well was completed.
6. The most beautiful fountains in Rome: La Fontana del Tritone – the Triton Fountain
Not far from the world-famous Fontana di Trevi in Piazza Barberini (reachable via the metro station of the same name), you will find the Fontana del Tritone. Another masterpiece by Bernini, commissioned between 1642 and 1643 by Pope Urban VIII. Originally the well served to supply the population with water and was fed by the Acqua Felice aqueduct. The last restoration took place in 1932 and 1990, making the Fontana del Tritone one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome.
7. The most beautiful fountains in Rome: La Fontana del Acqua Paola – Fontana Paola
The Fontana dell’Acqua Paola (also briefly referred to as Fontana Paola or Fontanone, large fountain) is a monumental Baroque fountain located in Via Garibaldi on the hill Gianicolo. From 1610 to 1612 it was built at the instigation of Pope Paul V by Flaminio Ponzio and Giovanni Fontana. Majestic is not only the fountain itself, but also the magnificent view from Gianicolo over the rooftops and domes of Rome. You can not help but fall in love with the sight of this eternal city.
So that was my overview of the most beautiful fountains in Rome. However, my personal favorite fountain in Rome is not one of the listed monumental fountains in the city, but the numerous small drinking water wells that you can find in Rome on every street corner.
Lovingly called “Nasoni” (big noses) by the Romans, they deliver free drinking water of the very best quality non stop. An absolute luxury, not only in midsummer, isn’t it?
