Fontana di Piazza d'Aracoeli, Renaissance fountain at Piazza d'Aracoeli, Rome, Italy.
The Fontana di Piazza d'Aracoeli is a Renaissance fountain in Rome's Campitelli district, at the foot of the Capitoline Hill. Its circular basin has two opposite bulges giving an oval shape, with mascarons on a cubic marble block that supports a goblet-shaped baluster topped by four putti pouring water from amphoras. A low pool with stone columns and iron bars surrounds it.
The fountain was designed in 1589 under Pope Sixtus V by architect Giacomo della Porta and built by craftsmen including Andrea Brasca and Pietro Gucci. In the 18th century, Pope Clement XI modified the monument by removing the original steps and adding a larger collection basin.
The square is named for the church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli, reached by a long staircase from the foot of the Capitoline. The fountain's banister carries the coats of arms of the Roman People and of the Chigi family, whose pope Alexander VII added the trimontium, three mountain peaks, between the four putti.
The fountain sits on a busy public square with plenty of foot traffic, especially during daytime, so visit early morning for quieter moments. Being at the base of the hill means stairs lead in all directions, so wear comfortable shoes for walking around the area.
The four child figures adorning the upper section pour water in a classical motif repeated across Renaissance fountains in Rome. This playful element sets it apart from many other more solemn water features in the city and catches the eyes of visitors who pause to look closely.
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