Fontana di Piazza della Rocca, Fountain in Viterbo, Italy
The Fontana di Piazza della Rocca is a fountain built from peperino, a local volcanic stone, set in a square in Viterbo near the Rocca Albornoz. It features a raised basin reached by five steps, decorated with lion heads and sphinxes from whose mouths water flows, and topped by a lily, the symbol of the Farnese family.
A fountain on this site is documented as early as the 15th century, with a restoration recorded in 1449. The current structure was completed in 1574 after a long process involving competing craftsmen and architects, marked by disputes over design and payment.
The fountain stands on a square that has served as a gathering place for centuries. The water flowing from the lion mouths and sphinxes is a reminder of how central such sources once were to daily life in the city.
The fountain is an outdoor feature and can be seen at any time, though daylight makes the stone details easiest to appreciate. The surrounding gardens offer a good spot to stop before or after exploring the square.
The fountain was completely rebuilt after World War II using stones from local quarries, following damage caused by wartime fighting. The 1948 restoration was carried out by a firm called Paccosi.
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