Spanish Steps' Unique Fountain Provides Complimentary Water, Adored by Local Residents
In the heart of Rome, nestled in the iconic Piazza di Spagna, lies the Fontana della Barcaccia. Commissioned by Pope Urban VIII in 1627, this unique fountain was designed and constructed by the renowned sculptors Pietro and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
The Fontana della Barcaccia was not just a work of art, but also a functional municipal fountain, similar to the Trevi Fountain. Its design is inspired by a historical event, the floodwaters of the River Tiber that carried a small boat into Piazza di Spagna in 1598. The fountain resembles a sinking boat, with water shooting out from multiple spouts, giving the illusion of a ship submerged.
The fountain's shape and name hold additional significance. "Barcaccia" in Italian is a derogatory term for a boat, implying a worn or ugly vessel. This adds a touch of local humor or insult to the otherwise graceful fountain. Despite this, the Fontana della Barcaccia is valued not for grandeur but for its historical narrative, clever design adapting to hydraulic conditions, and its location at the foot of the Spanish Steps.
The Fontana della Barcaccia was deliberately sunk below street level to accommodate the low water pressure of the ancient aqueduct it is connected to. This practical engineering, combined with artistic design, makes it an enduring cultural and architectural landmark in Rome.
In addition to its historical and aesthetic value, the Fontana della Barcaccia continues to serve a practical purpose. It provides free drinking water to Roman neighborhoods, with locals still using it to fill their water bottles. The water from the fountain is crystal clear and cold, and it has a refreshing flavor due to being filtered and drawn through a refurbished ancient aqueduct.
The Fontana della Barcaccia is about a century older than the Spanish Steps, which are arguably one of the best things to do if you have limited time in Rome. A visit to the Fontana della Barcaccia offers a glimpse into Rome's rich tradition of functional yet symbolic public fountains, making it a must-see attraction for any tourist or history enthusiast.
[1] Britannica, T. (2021). Fontana della Barcaccia. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Fontana-della-Barcaccia
[2] Rome Art Lovers. (2021). Fontana della Barcaccia. Rome Art Lovers. https://www.romeartlovers.com/fontana-della-barcaccia/
[3] Italian Notebook. (2021). The Fontana della Barcaccia. Italian Notebook. https://www.italiannotebook.com/italytravel/fontana-della-barcaccia/
[4] Rome Revealed. (2021). Fontana della Barcaccia. Rome Revealed. https://romerevealed.com/fontana-della-barcaccia/
- Discovering the Fontana della Barcaccia, an enduring landmark in Rome, offers insights into the city's rich tradition of symbolic public fountains that blend history, architecture, and practicality, making it an essential visit for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.
- Besides being a cultural icon, the Fontana della Barcaccia serves a pragmatic purpose, providing clean and refreshing drinking water from an ancient aqueduct to the local community, adding to its value in daily Rome lifestyle, food-and-drink, and travel experiences.
