Fontana dell'Acqua Felice, Monumental fountain in Municipio I, Rome, Italy.
The Fontana dell'Acqua Felice is a monumental fountain in Rome featuring three arches supported by four Ionic columns. Egyptian-inspired lions stand at its base while religious sculptures adorn the niches above.
The fountain was built in 1585 by Domenico Fontana under Pope Sixtus V to supply water to the Viminal and Quirinal hills. The project marked the endpoint of the Acqua Felice aqueduct, which brought fresh water to previously underserved areas of Rome.
The fountain brings together ancient Roman elements, including marble lions that originally came from the Pantheon. This reuse shows how Rome wove its classical past into Renaissance architecture.
The fountain sits on a busy square and is easily walkable to reach, though the surroundings can feel crowded. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon when there are fewer visitors and less traffic nearby.
The central figure of Moses received such poor reactions from Romans that they nicknamed it 'Moses the Ridiculous' due to its unusual proportions. This response shows how critical the population was about artistic representation at the time.
Location: Municipio I
Inception: 1585
Architects: Domenico Fontana
Creator: Domenico Fontana
GPS coordinates: 41.90439,12.49444
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03
Italian historic fountains demonstrate five centuries of craftsmanship in sculpture, hydraulic engineering, and urban design. From the 15th to the 19th century, Italian artisans shaped marble, bronze, and stone to create works combining practicality and artistic expression. These fountains tell...
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