The Fontana dell’Acqua Paola is a monumental fountain located on Janiculum hill at the termination of the Acqua Paola aqueduct. The merit for its construction has been given to Pope Paul V whowanted to provide clean drinking water to the Vatican and the Janiculum area in the beginning of the 16th century. So, the Pope raised funds to restore the Acqua Traiana aqueduct, bringing water to this area of Rome from the lake Bracciano. However, some historians vociferate that the true reason behind the rehabilitation of the duct was to bring in enough water to irrigate the Vatican gardens.Once the works were completed, the Pope commissioned the realisation of a monumental fountain at its ending to Giovanni Fontana. For its construction, white marble from the Roman forum was used. The marble was taken from the Temple of Nerva, an unfortunate habit of that time.
The Acqua Paola fountain has a semi-circular basin, behind which a massive gateway in the form of a Triumph arch with 5 elements, three of which of bigger size, is occupying the centre of the composition. All the statues and inscription annexed to the fountain are there to celebrate the power of the papal family, Borghese.
The Acqua Paola fountain is nowadays a part of the popular culture, since it has been included in famous movies, songs and poems.
It’s possible to reach it on foot starting from the famousTrastevere district, but if you are tired of walking, there are several buses available.
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