Fountain of the Catechumens

The Fountain of the Catechumens, located in the picturesque Piazza della Madonna dei Monti in Rome, is a precious example of Renaissance art and engineering. Designed by Giacomo Della Porta and executed by Battista Rusconi in 1589, this fountain represents a fundamental element in understanding the urban evolution and water supply of Rome during the pontificate of Pope Sixtus V. The construction of the fountain took place after the restoration of the ancient Acquedotto Alessandrino, renamed Acquedotto Felice in honor of Sixtus V, whose real name was Felice Peretti. This aqueduct, which transported water from the sources of the Roman countryside to the heart of the city, allowed for the creation of several fountains to improve water distribution in the hilly neighborhoods of Viminale and Quirinale, which were poorly served at the time.The Fountain of the Catechumens owes its name to its proximity to the Collegio dei Neofiti, also known as the Collegio dei Catechumens, which was located near the square. The college was an institution dedicated to the religious education of new converts to Christianity, and the fountain became a central point of reference for the residents of the Monti district.The structure of the fountain consists of an octagonal basin made of travertine, a material widely used in Roman architecture for its durability and beauty. The basin is adorned with four alternating coats of arms, two of the pontiff and two of the City of Rome, emphasizing the institutional importance of the work. The basin rests on four octagonal steps, which help to level the slightly sloping square.From the basin rises an elegant balustrade supporting a circular basin. Originally, water spouted from a central vase placed in the upper basin, but towards the end of the 17th century, during a restoration ordered by Pope Innocent XI, the vase was replaced by a second balustrade supporting another smaller basin, from which water continues to flow. Four grotesque masks, sculpted with grotesque expressions, are located under the lower basin and pour water into the underlying basin, creating a play of water flows that give dynamism to the fountain.The fountain underwent several restoration interventions over the centuries. The first major restoration dates back to 1680, under Pope Innocent XI, while a second restoration took place in 1879-1880, when the City of Rome intervened to repair the damage caused by intensive use and degradation. The square, which hosted a bustling market in a densely populated neighborhood, contributed to the deterioration of the fountain, necessitating maintenance interventions. Further restoration was carried out in 1997, in conjunction with the repaving and pedestrianization of the square, to preserve this historical and artistic heritage.The Fountain of the Catechumens is also an example of the Romans’ ability to integrate functionality and aesthetics in their public works. Its construction was not just an act of urban embellishment, but responded to a practical need for water distribution, essential for the city’s daily life. This balance between utility and beauty is one of the distinctive features of Roman architecture and continues to inspire contemporary architects and urban planners.An interesting anecdote about the fountain is related to Valadier, a famous architect and urban planner of the 19th century, who proposed dismantling it during urban redevelopment works. Fortunately, the fountain was spared and today we can still admire it in all its splendor. Today, the Fountain of the Catechumens is not only a decorative element, but also a meeting and socializing place for residents and tourists. Its presence enriches the Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, which has become one of the liveliest and most frequented places in Rome. At night, the fountain and the square come to life, with young people and families gathering to enjoy the cool atmosphere and architectural beauty of the place.