Fountain, Renaissance fountain in Trastevere, Rome, Italy
The Fountain at Santa Maria is a fountain in Rome featuring a circular basin mounted on a pedestal that directs water into a lower collection basin below. The structure displays the two-level design pattern that later became characteristic of numerous Roman fountains.
The fountain was built in 1499 and replaced an earlier Roman water source that stood at this location. It was later modified when water pressure limitations made it necessary to remove its upper basin.
The fountain serves as a gathering place in the heart of Trastevere, where locals and visitors naturally congregate near the flowing water. It functions as a social hub where the rhythm of daily neighborhood life plays out.
The fountain provides flowing water that continuously moves through the pipes, preventing stagnation in the water system. Visitors can easily reach the location on foot and the water remains accessible throughout the day.
The fountain ranks among the earliest surviving Renaissance fountains in Rome and marks the return of large-scale water infrastructure projects to the city. Its construction demonstrates how Rome rebuilt its water systems during the early modern period.
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