Rotonda Fountain

The Fountain in Piazza della Rotonda, commonly known as the Pantheon Fountain, is one of the jewels of Roman Renaissance located right in front of the majestic Pantheon. This fountain, designed by Giacomo della Porta and sculpted by Leonardo Sormani in 1575, represents a significant example of the artistic and urban evolution of Rome in the late sixteenth century. Commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII, the fountain was part of an ambitious urban renewal project aimed at improving the city’s water supply by restoring the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct. This aqueduct, originally built in 19 BC under the reign of Augustus, was essential for supplying water to many of Rome’s fountains, including the Trevi Fountain and the Barcaccia Fountain. The original structure of Giacomo della Porta’s fountain was simple yet elegant: an octagonal marble basin with four masks and dolphins from which water flowed. The heart of the fountain was an Egyptian obelisk, known as the Macuteo Obelisk, originally from the Temple of Ra in Heliopolis and later transferred to the Circus of Maxentius before being placed in Piazza della Rotonda in 1711 under Pope Clement XI. This obelisk, about six meters high, is topped with a cross and a dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit, creating a unique fusion of pagan and Christian symbols. During the eighteenth century, the fountain underwent significant modifications. Filippo Barigioni was commissioned to add a new base and further decorate the fountain with four dolphins supporting the obelisk, contributing to the baroque appearance we admire today. The dolphin statues, in addition to being decorative, symbolize rivers and seas, thus representing a connection between Rome and its water resources. The fountain has undergone various restorations over the centuries to maintain its beauty and functionality. One of the most significant restorations took place in 1889, when the original statues were replaced with copies to preserve the artworks from the wear of time and weather agents. Today, the Fountain in Piazza della Rotonda continues to be a focal point for tourists visiting Rome, offering a perfect backdrop for photographs and moments of relaxation in one of the city’s most iconic squares. An interesting historical anecdote concerns the square itself, which in the nineteenth century was a lively market for birds, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Piazza della Rotonda was known for its liveliness and central role in the daily life of Romans. However, during the brief Napoleonic rule of Rome (1809-1814), there were plans to demolish the surrounding buildings to expand the square, plans that fortunately were never realized due to the short duration of French domination.