Fontana Dell'Acqua Paola - Free Audio Guide

The Fontana dell'Acqua Paola, commonly called the "Fontanone," is a monumental early 17th-century fountain on Rome’s Janiculum Hill. Commissioned by Pope Paul V (Borghese) to mark the restoration of the Acqua Paola aqueduct that brought water from Lake Bracciano, the work is attributed to architects such as Giovanni Fontana and associates and was completed in the 1610s. Its broad travertine façade with arches, cascading basins and a prominent papal inscription exemplify Baroque civic display. Historically the fountain symbolized papal investment in public utilities and urban renewal; culturally it has become a landmark, a frequent subject for artists and photographers, and a focal point on the Janiculum offering expansive views over Rome. Key features include the monumental cascade, sculptural decoration and the Latin dedication. As an urban monument it is reached from surrounding terraces and paths; approaches involve slopes and steps and accessibility can be partial in places.