Fountain of the Mask on Via Giulia, Rome

Fountain of the Mask is a tourist attraction of one of the quietest streets of Rome – Via Giulia. The history of the "Mask" dates back to 1570, when the city authorities decided to build a fountain on Via Giulia. However, at that time the project could not be implemented because of problems with water supply in this part of the city.

After almost 50 years, in 1626, under the reign of Pope Paul V, the Aqua-Paolo aqueduct was rebuilt, from which a drainage system was built in this area, and the installation of the fountain stopped seeming so unreal.

Fountain of the Mask is the work of Italian architect Girolamo Rainaldi, commissioned by the Italian family Farnese. The main decoration of the fountain was a mask, which was placed in the center of the composition.

It is worth noting that a rectangular pool was found among the numerous thermals of Capitol Hill, so its history dates back to ancient times. The marble mask, in honor of which the fountain received its name, was also created in the times of Ancient Rome.

In the upper part of the fountain there is a lily – the coat of arms of the Farnese family. Originally it was made of bronze, and later replaced with a stone one.

Water flows into the fountain from the lips of the mask. In the days of medieval Rome on holidays, wine flowed from the lips of the mask.

For many years the fountain was a single structure, however in the 19th century its reconstruction was carried out. During this period, the Tiber River embankment was expanded and strengthened to prevent floods in the city. Fortunately, the fountain was not demolished, but only leaned against the wall, which blocked the access to the Tiber. Thanks to this, the truly unique object of the ancient period has survived to our days.

How to get there

Fountain of the Mask is located on Via Giulia, in the central part of Rome. The following public transportation routes are laid to the fountain: №. 23, 40, 46, 62, 64, 280, 780, 982.