Fontana dell'Acqua Paola

Fountain · Trastevere

Fontana dell'Acqua Paola

Fountain · Trastevere

1

Via Garibaldi, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Photos

Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by Photo by René Mattes/age fotostock
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola by null

Highlights

Ornate marble fountain, floodlit at night, with impressive city views  

Placeholder

Via Garibaldi, 00153 Roma RM, Italy Get directions

sovraintendenzaroma.it

Information

Static Map

Via Garibaldi, 00153 Roma RM, Italy Get directions

+39 06 0608
sovraintendenzaroma.it
SovrintendenzaCapitolina
𝕏
@Sovrintendenza

Features

wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Oct 27, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@afar

"Fontana dell'Acqua Paola The ancient Romans used aqueducts to carry water from distant springs into central Rome . As the empire decayed, so too did these ambitious public works. When Rome experienced a renaissance—not to mention a population boom—in the modern age, popes took cues from the emperors before them and repaired these ancient water channels. To celebrate their grand projects, they built massive public fountains like the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola on Janiculum Hill. Dubbed er fontanone ("the big fountain"), this 17th-century structure was commissioned by Pope Paul V to commemorate the repair of the Traiana aqueduct that tapped a spring near Lake Bracciano north of Rome."

The Perfect Weekend in Rome
View Postcard for Fontana dell'Acqua Paola

Miguel Ángel Millán Meléndez

Google
Maybe the best place I go in Rome apart from the very obvious tourist zones. The ambient is perfect and one of the most precious arounds to go. You can also get access to a beautiful panoramic photo of the city. Totally recommended 👌😌

Mike Kire photographer in Rome

Google
Ladies and gentlemen, today I invite you on a brief yet enchanting journey to one of Rome's hidden treasures. Picture yourself under the iconic Saint Angelo Bridge, far from the bustling crowd above. Here, you stand on the banks of the storied Tiber River, where the whispers of ancient Rome tickle your imagination, painting vivid pictures of what used to be. As your eyes trace the horizon, the grandeur of the Vatican's domes comes into view, piercing the sky with regal magnificence. It's as if they've been reaching for the heavens for centuries, a testament to human creativity and devotion. This isn't just a place; it's an experience where art, architecture, and atmosphere blend in perfect harmony. It's a rendezvous point for history and beauty, serenading you with their eternal dance under the stars. So, next time you're in Rome, don’t just admire the Saint Angelo Bridge from above. Descend to its roots, and bask in the magic that awaits beneath. This hidden gem promises a whisper of wonder and a memory etched in the heart. Thank you!

Michael Pavlov

Google
A stunning hidden gem in Rome! The fountain itself is beautiful and the views over the city are incredible. Best part—hardly any crowds, even in peak season. Peaceful, relaxing, and worth the walk up the hill.

Philippe Laurijssen

Google
A stunning fountain on the top.ofnthe hill with a crazy viewpoint. Fontana dell'Acqua Paola, also known as Il Fontanone, sits proudly atop Janiculum Hill and offers one of the most peaceful, majestic spots in the city. Built in the early 1600s under Pope Paul V, this monumental fountain marks the end of the restored ancient aqueduct Acqua Paola, originally from the Roman Empire. The architecture is breathtaking—with five large arches, intricate details, and symbols of the powerful Borghese family. The sound of the water flowing into the massive basin is incredibly calming, and the views of Rome from here are unforgettable, especially at sunset. It's less crowded than more central tourist attractions, making it a perfect place to relax, take photos, and soak in some real Roman history. Fun fact #1: The Fontanone inspired the design of the famous Trevi Fountain! Fun fact #2: It was featured in the opening scene of the Oscar-winning film La Grande Bellezza (The Great Beauty). Highly recommend making the short trip up the hill—this spot captures the magic of Rome in such a quiet, powerful way.

Mehmet T.

Google
Fontana dell’Acqua Paola is one of Rome’s hidden treasures — peaceful, majestic, and deeply atmospheric. Perched on Janiculum Hill, it offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city, especially at sunset when Rome glows in golden light. The fountain itself is stunning, with its elegant marble arches and cascading water creating a calm, almost cinematic feeling. It’s less crowded than the Trevi Fountain, which makes it even more special — a place where you can slow down and truly take in the beauty of Rome. It’s easy to see why this spot has inspired filmmakers, photographers, and dreamers. The sound of the water and the quiet surroundings make it perfect for reflection or just enjoying a peaceful moment away from the bustle below. A must-visit if you want to experience a more poetic side of Rome. Truly one of the city’s most beautiful and underrated places.

Hilda Obeng-Kingsley

Google
Away from all the busy tourist areas. You have to climb a stairs and hills to get here but there is such a great view from here. The fountain is huge and beautiful.

Misiu martino

Google
In Piazza Trilussa, you can find the beautiful fountain of Acqua Paola, also known as “fontanone di Ponte Sisto” (large fountain of Ponte Sisto), realized by the architects Van Santen, known as Vasanzio, and Giovanni Fontana and commissioned by Pope Paul V Borghese (1605-1620) in 1613.Conceived as a monumental arch with a central niche flanked by two Ionic columns, the fountain has a high attic holding the Borghese family coat of arms, with eagle and dragon, and a celebratory inscription dedicated to the pontiff, for having led the water on the left bank of the Tiber. Initially, it was located at the end of Via Giulia, which explains the apparent inconsistency of the Latin epigraph on the attic that commemorates that the water brought to the Janiculum Hill was extended in 1613 beyond the Tiber river to be used by the entire City, thanks to the munificence of Paul V. It took its water from the Traiano-Paolo aqueduct.The fountain was dismantled in 1870 for the construction of the banks of the Tiber after a disastrous flood. Almost half of the pieces broke or were dispersed between the various municipal warehouses. When it was rebuilt in Piazza Trilussa in 1898, as commemorated by another inscription on the wall at the back of the large niche, the architect Vescovali was able to use just what was left of it. The result was, however, remarkable: the fountain was reassembled in an elevated position on the top of a fifteen-steps flight, in a straight line with Via dei Pettinari - Sixtus Bridge and in visual connection with the imposing Acqua Paola fountain located on the top of the Janiculum hill.

Melanie Brazier

Google
We were making our way to a store on the outskirts of Rome, and we were passing this fountain on the way. It is way less crowded than the Trevi fountain. Be mindful it is near a street. The view of the city of Rome from that height is breathtaking!!
google avatar

Sharon B.

Yelp
This was a nice fountain in the city that is not crowded like the others in centro Rome. Our vespa tour took us here to get a nice view of the city across the street and to see this beautiful fountain .
google avatar

Norbert K.

Yelp
This may not be the prettiest or grandest of fountains in Rome, but it is well worth the visit, especially when you see the panoramic vista of Rome below! We walked up Monteverde from American University in Rome and onto this breathtaking view. Bellissimo!
google avatar

Dave B.

Yelp
We walked up this lovely fountain that provides a great view of the city. Well worth the hike. We took the longer path.
google avatar

William W.

Yelp
A LONG hike for a fountain that pales in comparison to Trevi, but a peaceful place with excellent views of the city. Pros: Fontana dell'Acqua (Italian for Water Fountain) is a gorgeous location far removed from tourists high atop Janiculum Hill with sweeping views of Rome. The skyline doesn't translate in photographs, but it is fantastic in person as you gaze over the walls of the elite Spanish Academy. The fountain was built in 1612, but the marble was extracted from a temple dating back to 85 AD. The design is so impeccable that it actually inspired the design of Rome's most famous Trevi Fountain. It's so far from the most popular tourist sites that you'll practically be alone. Cons: Even though we're in good shape, this was an exhausting walk from our hotel in central Rome to this hillside locale in very hot weather. I would take a taxi if you really want to see it. This is nowhere near as stunning as the Trevi Fountain, but if you're willing to hike or happen to be in the neighborhood, it's a nice, peaceful environment.