Fontana dell’Acqua Paola
Discover the Acqua Paola Fountain in Rome with a Vespa tour, an unforgettable experience to immerse yourself in the history and breathtaking views of the Janiculum! Bike tour to the Acqua Paola Fountain: the perfect way to explore Rome while pedaling through history and culture, with unparalleled panoramic views of the city. Hop aboard a tuk-tuk and admire the Acqua Paola Fountain, one of Rome’s most striking monuments, for an exclusive tour through the scenic streets of the Janiculum! Visit the Acqua Paola Fountain on a scooter tour in Rome to explore the city’s Baroque charm with a dynamic and unforgettable perspective!
What you need to know about the Paola Water Fountain
The Acqua Paola Fountain, also known as the “Fontanone del Gianicolo,” is one of Rome’s most famous monumental fountains. It was built in 1612 at the behest of Pope Paul V Borghese, after whom it is named. The fountain is located on the Janiculum Hill and represents the end point of the Acqua Paola aqueduct, an ancient Roman structure restored during the pontificate of Paul V to ensure the water supply of the Trastevere area and the Vatican. The work was designed by Giovanni Fontana and Flaminio Ponzio and features a monumental Baroque travertine facade with five arches and a large basin. Above each archway are marble inscriptions and decorations, including the symbol of the Borghese family: the eagle and dragon. In addition to its architectural beauty, the Acqua Paola Fountain offers a unique panoramic view of Rome, making it a popular destination for Romans and tourists alike.
History and Context: The fountain was commissioned to celebrate the reactivation of the ancient Trajan Aqueduct, dating from imperial times and restored at the behest of Pope Paul V in the 17th century. The aqueduct carried water from the Sabatini Mountains, north of Rome, to the Janiculum Hill. This fountain marked an important urban development, as it provided drinking water to Trastevere and the Vatican, areas that until then had suffered from water shortages.
Architecture and Decorations: The fountain has an impressive Baroque facade, which is one of the most famous examples of monumental architecture of this period. Flaminio Ponzio began the work, and after his death the project was completed by Giovanni Fontana. The structure includes five large arches supported by columns, through which water flows into a large basin. Above the arches, there are various commemorative inscriptions and decorations that recall the Borghese family coat of arms, with eagles and dragons in marble.
Panoramic Location: Located on the Janiculum Hill, the Acqua Paola Fountain is also a vantage point, offering a spectacular view of Rome. This makes it a popular destination not only to admire the fountain itself, but also to enjoy the view of the city.
Curiosities
The “Fontanone” of the Janiculum: This nickname comes from its imposing size and the sheer volume of water that gushes from it. It is one of the largest and most spectacular fountains in Rome, so much so that it is affectionately called “Fontanone” by Romans.
The Legend of the Bitter Water: The water of the Acqua Paola aqueduct, which came from Lake Bracciano and surrounding springs, was slightly bitter because of its high concentration of minerals. This characteristic made it unpopular for domestic use and inspired the legend of the “cursed water.”
The Scrap of the Roman Forum: To build the fountain, materials taken from ancient monuments in the Roman Forum and Colosseum were reused. This practice was common at the time, especially under the papacy, which used marble and other ancient materials to build new works.
Borghese Symbols: Pope Paul V belonged to the Borghese family, whose coat of arms consisted of an eagle and a dragon. These symbols decorate the fountain and celebrate its power and grandeur, but also Paul V’s personal “mark” on the city.
Film Set: The fountain has also become famous in cinema. In particular, we find it in the Oscar-winning film *The Great Beauty* by Paolo Sorrentino, where it appears in the opening scene. The view of the fountain and the city makes the atmosphere almost dreamlike and accentuates its romantic and mysterious charm.
A “Upside Down” Fountain: Unlike other fountains in Rome, such as the Trevi Fountain, which are located in squares, the Acqua Paola Fountain is built in an elevated position on the Janiculum Hill, facing Rome. It is as if the fountain “watches” the city, in a gesture of protection and control, giving it an aura of silent guardian of the eternal city.
Inspiration for the Trevi Fountain: The Acqua Paola Fountain was one of the sources of inspiration for the design of the Trevi Fountain. Its monumental style and its purpose to celebrate the rebirth of an aqueduct are two elements that influenced the design of the famous Baroque fountain.
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