The fountain in Piazza Farnese is actually not one, but almost identical twin fountains located just at the back of Campo de Fiori, a hotspot of perfect nightlife in the historical centre.

You may be surprised upon arriving to see that inside the mixtlinear basin is housed a bathing tub decorated with handles and a lion face.

Various historical reconstructions suppose that the tubs were taken from the Thermal baths of Caracalla and brought to the square during the 15th century.

Originally, they were intended to be used as decorative pieces for the squares, since water could not reach this area yet. Only in 1626, the project to convert the two tubs into fountains was completed under the direction of architect Girolamo Rainaldi.

Inside the tubs are placed amphora-like sculptures supporting a top basin and a floral ending, resembling the coat of arms of the Farnese family from where the water is spouted.

On one side of the square stands the Farnese Palace, famous for his cornice realised by Michelangelo and nowadays hosting the Embassy of France.

The work was possible thanks to the restoration and extension of the aqueduct of the Acqua Vergine, promoted by Pope Paul V, and finished in 1610, thus providing water to the district and to the Vatican gardens directly from the lake of Albano.