To celebrate the completion of restoration work (1608 to 1610) on the ancient aqueduct built by Emperor Trajan to bring water to the city from Lake Bracciano, Pope Paul V (1605-1621) commissioned the building of the Gianicolo Fountain, now a symbol of Rome, in 1612 to be the end station of the new Acqua Paola (aqueduct). The architect entrusted with the job was Giovanni Fontana, assisted by Flaminio Ponzio, and he incorporated marble from the Forum of Nerva. The structure echoes the Fountain of Acqua Felice in Largo Santa Susanna, the other great structure designed by the artist from modern-day Ticino in Switzerland, this time for Pope Sixtus V (1585-1590) in 1587. That too was characterised by arches separated by columns on high pedestals but the fountain on the Janiculum Hill is vastly more imposing and also differentiated by the large windows in the spaces (occupied by statues in the other). Here the sparse sculptural decorations feature Pope Paul V’s coat of arms, supported by angels, and pairs of eagles and dragons, the heraldic symbols of the Borghese family. There were initially five basins, one beneath each arch, until 1690 when Carlo Fontana, grandson of Giovanni, was commissioned by Pope Alexander VIII (1689-1691) to adapt the work. He created the single vast semi-circular pool and the small basins that link it to the gushing water spouts. At the same time, a spectacular wide, open square was built in front of the fountain which previously had been perched on the sheer edge of the hill.
Roma Lazio Film Commission
Via Parigi 11 – 00185, Roma
Phone: +39 06 72286273/320
Fax: +39 06 722 1127
Email: info@romalaziofilmcommission.it
