Fontana di Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, Baroque fountain in Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, Italy.
The fountain features a rectangular travertine basin with semicircular projections on its shorter sides, decorated with ornamental masks and positioned at the base of the ancient Massenzio column.
Completed in 1615 by architect Carlo Maderno, the fountain was built using a branch of the Acqua Felice aqueduct and originally featured decorative dragons and eagles representing papal heraldic symbols.
The fountain serves as a focal point during the annual August 8th celebration of the snow miracle legend, when the square fills with processions and festivities commemorating the basilica's foundation.
Located in the heart of Rome's Monti district, the fountain is easily accessible by public transportation and stands elevated on four steps approximately two meters above street level.
The fountain uniquely incorporates the last remaining column from the ancient Basilica of Maxentius, known as the Peace Column, creating a direct architectural link between ancient Roman and Baroque periods.
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