Babuino Fountain, Rome

Babuino Fountain, located on the corner of the church of San Atanasio dei Greci, is one of the main ornaments of the church. It is located on the street with the same name in Rome. It is worth noting that the street received a similar name because of the fountain. It was recognized as a 16th century architectural monument.

History of Babuino Fountain

The history of Babuino Fountain begins with the ruling of Pope Pius IV of the Medici. Under his rule, semi-state fountains began to be actively constructed in the city, one of which was the Babuino fountain.

At the end of the 16th century, the wealthy Roman merchant Patrizio Grandi received private water for his possessions, but it was issued on condition that the merchant will build a fountain for the inhabitants of the city from his personal funds.

The fountain was opened in 1580. An ancient marble sculpture of Satire was chosen as an ornament for the fountain. The ancient sculpture seemed dirty to the citizens, it was compared to a monkey and was called "babuino". This name was accepted so strongly that in 1581 the street, which used to be called Via Paulina, was named after the fountain.

In 1877, in connection with the work on the creation of a new drainage system, the fountain was dismantled. For many years it was stored in warehouses of the municipality, and the pool was transferred to another fountain. However, by the forces of the inhabitants of Rome in 1957, the fountain was restored.

"Talking" fountain

The Babuino fountain was one of several fountains of Rome, which were known as "talking" fountains. They were named this way because since the 16th century the townspeople, hung out leaflets with anonymous wishes, poems and political satires, in which they criticized the authorities. A similar tradition in the city has survived to this day.

How to get there

Babuino Fountain is located in the central part of Rome, on the street with the same name. You can use public transport to get here:

• tram № 2;
• buses №. 53, 62, 63, 71, 83, 280, 490, 495, 628.