Hi, I’m Gianluca.
I studied cultural anthropology, and I’ve always been fascinated by the different ways people live, move, and experience a place.
Rome is not only my city – it’s the environment I love observing, understanding, and sharing through these small stories.
Together with my wife Connie, we host travellers in our small hotel near the Vatican, where we enjoy meeting people from all over the world and exchanging perspectives – just as I do here in the blog.
If you ever feel like saying hello while exploring Rome, you’ll find us on our terrace as well, where every morning we serve breakfast with a view.
Gianluca
Rome’s breathtaking fountains are much more than decorative features—they are masterpieces that reflect the city’s rich history and artistic legacy. From monumental showpieces in bustling squares to hidden gems in quiet corners, these fountains tell stories of ingenuity, faith, and beauty. Let’s embark on a journey to discover some of the Eternal City’s most iconic water wonders.
A Tradition Rooted in History
The tradition of fountains in Rome dates back to ancient times when aqueducts brought water to the city from distant springs. Public fountains served as essential water sources for the population. With the Renaissance and Baroque eras, fountains evolved into symbols of power and artistic expression, commissioned by popes and aristocrats to demonstrate their influence and beautify the city.
Fountain Highlights to Explore
1. The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)
- Location: Piazza di Trevi
- Architects: Nicola Salvi and Giuseppe Pannini
- Completion: 1762
The Trevi Fountain is the most famous fountain in the world. With its grandiose depiction of Neptune flanked by allegorical figures, it’s a stunning celebration of water as a life-giving force. Legend says that tossing a coin into the fountain ensures your return to Rome—an irresistible ritual for visitors.
2. The Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi)
- Location: Piazza Navona
- Architect: Gian Lorenzo Bernini
- Completion: 1651
Bernini’s masterpiece represents the four great rivers of the known continents: the Nile, Danube, Ganges, and Rio de la Plata. Each figure is steeped in symbolic meaning, standing below the towering Egyptian obelisk in the center. Piazza Navona’s lively atmosphere, combined with the beauty of its three fountains, makes it a must-see location.
3. The Fountain of the Naiads (Fontana delle Naiadi)
- Location: Piazza della Repubblica
- Completion: 1901
This more modern fountain is adorned with sculptures of naiads—water nymphs representing the oceans, rivers, lakes, and underground waters. The sensuality of the figures caused a stir when it was unveiled, but it has since become a beloved Roman icon.
4. The Turtle Fountain (Fontana delle Tartarughe)
- Location: Piazza Mattei
- Architect: Giacomo della Porta (completed by Bernini)
- Completion: 1588
This small but elegant fountain in the Jewish Ghetto district is a hidden gem. The turtles, added by Bernini during restoration work, give it a whimsical charm. Legend has it that a nobleman built this fountain overnight to impress his future father-in-law.
5. The Fountain of the Barcaccia
- Location: Piazza di Spagna
- Architects: Pietro and Gian Lorenzo Bernini
- Completion: 1629
This unique Baroque fountain, shaped like a half-sunken ship, was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII to commemorate a historic flood of the Tiber River. The water gently spills over the sides, creating a tranquil and soothing ambience. Nestled at the base of the Spanish Steps, the Barcaccia is a beloved meeting spot and a testament to Bernini’s creativity.
Rome’s Waterways: Life and Legacy
The abundance of fountains in Rome is thanks to the aqueducts that brought clean water to the city from the surrounding hills. Many of these aqueducts, like Aqua Virgo (built in 19 BC), still function today, supplying fountains like the Trevi. Rome’s relationship with water has always symbolized life, prosperity, and cultural sophistication.
Why Visit Rome’s Fountains in Winter?
Winter offers a unique charm to these fountains, as the absence of crowds allows for quieter moments of reflection. Imagine admiring the play of sunlight on the cascading waters or hearing the soothing sound of flowing streams echo through the cobblestone streets. Visiting in January, after the Jubilee renovations, makes the experience even more special.
From QuodLibet to Rome’s Most Beautiful Fountains
Staying at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast places you at the heart of Rome’s splendour. In just a few minutes’ walk, you can reach Piazza Navona with Bernini’s masterpieces or take a short trip to Piazza di Spagna to admire the Barcaccia Fountain and Spanish Steps. After a day of exploring, relax on our rooftop terrace surrounded by the iconic greenery of Prati.
