Rome’s water and fountains.
Rome’s water and fountains are vital to the city’s artistic and cultural heritage. Since ancient Roman times, influential figures have used fountains to leave their mark on future generations. Rome is also the only city in the world with more than two thousand small drinking fountains explicitly designed for public use. Known as “Nasoni” (big noses) because of their shape, these cast-iron fountains are popular with locals and tourists, offering free fresh water anytime during the day.
This itinerary will guide you to the must-see fountains of Rome—those that the English poet P.B. Shelley said are “suffice…to justify a trip to Rome.” These fountains are monumental, quirky, and extravagant, shining in the most famous squares or hidden in secret corners, crafted by some of the greatest masters of art.
Fountain of the Naiads (Piazza della Repubblica)
We start our walk at the Fountain of the Naiads in Piazza della Repubblica. This fountain, a prime example of Art Nouveau Style in Rome, boasts a fascinating history, having been designed by Alessandro Guerrieri, constructed in 1888, and unveiled in 1901. The fountain features bronze figures of joyful nymphs, with the central figure of Glaucus embracing a dolphin, sculpted by Mario Rutelli. While you’re here, you can also visit the nearby Baths of Diocletian, part of the National Roman Museum, to see a stunning collection of Roman antiquities or explore the elegant Via Nazionale for some shopping.
Triton Fountain (Piazza Barberini)
A short stroll takes us to Piazza Barberini, where you’ll find Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Triton Fountain, a 17th-century masterpiece. Four dolphins with intertwined tails hold a large shell from which the imposing figure of Triton emerges. The intertwined dolphin tails also feature papal crests with bees, a symbol of the Barberini family.
Barcaccia Fountain (Piazza di Spagna)
Walking along Via Sistina from here, you’ll reach Trinità dei Monti, overlooking the stunning Piazza di Spagna. At the base of the Spanish Steps, you’ll see the Barcaccia Fountain, a beautiful piece by Pietro Bernini. Top fashion brands fill the heart of Rome’s shopping district, centered around Via Condotti, Via Frattina, and Via Borgognona. Be sure to take some time to shop or simply window-shop through this stylish area.
Fountain of the Baboon (Via del Babuino)
Nearby, on Via del Babuino, you’ll discover the quirky Fontana del Babuino (Fountain of the Baboon), created around 1576. It features a gray granite Roman basin with a life-sized tuff statue. Romans nicknamed it “Baboon” because they thought the statue of Silenus looked like a monkey. This fountain was also one of Rome’s famous “talking statues,” where locals would post anonymous satirical messages.
Trevi Fountain (Via del Tritone)
Heading back toward Via del Tritone, you can’t miss the world-famous Trevi Fountain, made iconic by Fellini’s film La Dolce Vita. Nicola Salvi designed this masterpiece. It features a rocky structure with the statue of Oceanus riding a seashell chariot at its center. Sculpted plants, flowing water, and magical lighting surround the scene. Before you leave, toss a coin into the fountain to guarantee your return to Rome.
Fountain of the Four Rivers (Piazza Navona)
Continuing our itinerary, we head to Piazza Navona. This beautiful baroque square hosts Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, showcasing an impressive mix of architecture and sculpture. A large travertine rock supports the Agonale Obelisk, originally from Aswan, Egypt. In each corner, grand marble statues represent the four rivers symbolizing the known continents: the Danube, Ganges, Nile, and Rio de la Plata. You’re now in one of Rome’s liveliest rioni. Just behind the square, in Via del Governo Vecchio, Piazza del Fico, and Via della Pace, you’ll find plenty of places to grab a bite, whether it’s a “supplì” (fried rice ball) or a crispy slice of pizza, or simply sit down for a coffee.
Turtle Fountain (Piazza Mattei)
A 15-minute walk will bring you to the Old Jewish Ghetto, where you’ll find the Fountain of Turtles, a Florentine-style fountain in Mattei Piazza. This Renaissance-style gem suddenly appears as you wander through charming streets lined with beautiful 16th—and 17th-century palaces. Four beautifully sculpted youths push turtles toward the upper basin—a true hidden treasure!
Mouth of Truth (Piazza della Bocca della Verità)
From Piazza Mattei, once a natural film set, stroll around and try traditional Jewish dishes at one of the many restaurants. Just a few hundred meters away is Francesco Carlo Bizzaccheri’s The Fountain of Tritons, inspired by Bernini’s work in Piazza Barberini. Made famous by the iconic scene in the movie “Roman Holiday,” this spot gained additional recognition through a popular tradition. People believed it had the power to bite the hand of anyone who did not tell the truth.
Acqua Paola Fountain (Trastevere)
Finally, our walk takes us across the Tiber River to the colorful Trastevere district. This lovely part of town is filled with cafés, restaurants, and bars, making it a perfect spot for a night out. Lose yourself in the picturesque streets and experience the charm of Rome of yesteryear. Afterward, you can climb to the grand Acqua Paola Fountain, also known as the Fantone del Gianicolo (Gianicolo Fountain). Be sure to take in the view from the Belvedere, where you can enjoy a stunning panorama of all of Rome.
If you’re up for an authentic Roman tradition, head to Janiculum Hill in Piazzale Garibaldi, where soldiers fire a cannon shot daily at noon. Strolling along the Janiculum Walk, you’ll come across a surprising sight—a lighthouse right in the heart of Rome!
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