Fontanone di Ponte Sisto, Rome

Name: Fontanone di Ponte Sisto
Address: Rome, Italy

#117 among attractions in Rome

Fountain

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Map

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Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Rome, the Fontanone di Ponte Sisto, also known as the Acqua Paola Fountain, is a monumental fountain that is a lesser-known gem compared to the city's more famous water features like the Trevi Fountain. Yet, it remains an essential stop for those exploring the Eternal City's rich tapestry of historical sites.

The fountain is located on the Janiculum Hill, offering a stunning overlook of Trastevere and the city beyond. It was built in the early 17th century to mark the terminal point of the Acqua Paola aqueduct, restored by Pope Paul V to carry water to the left bank of the Tiber and the Vatican. The fountain was designed by architects Giovanni Fontana and Flaminio Ponzio and was completed in 1612.

The Fontanone di Ponte Sisto is characterized by its grandiose design, featuring a wide basin and five distinct arches. The central arch is the largest and is adorned with the papal coat of arms, flanked by two smaller arches on either side. The fountain's facade is made of travertine marble, adding to its imposing presence.

Visitors to the Fontanone di Ponte Sisto will not only be able to appreciate the fountain's architectural beauty but also enjoy the tranquil sounds of cascading water, providing a peaceful respite from the bustling city. The site's vantage point also makes it a popular spot for photographers and those looking to capture a panoramic view of Rome.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 41°53'30"N, 12°28'11"E

Address

TrastevereRome Italy

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Day trips

Fontanone di Ponte Sisto – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Villa Farnesina, Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, Palazzo Spada, Sant'Agata in Trastevere.

~970 ftNW
Renaissance villa with famous frescoes
Villa Farnesina, Rome
5 min walk • Nestled along the banks of the Tiber River in Rome, Italy, the Villa Farnesina stands as a testament to the opulence of the Renaissance era. This art museum, once a private villa, is a treasure trove of exquisite frescoes and architectural splendor that transports...
~810 ftS
Fountain
Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, Rome
4 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Rome's vibrant Trastevere district, Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere is a picturesque square that embodies the charm and history of the Eternal City. The square is anchored by the beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the...
~990 ftNE
Baroque architecture, Vernacular architecture, Museum
Palazzo Spada, Rome
5 min walk • The Palazzo Spada is a magnificent palace nestled in the heart of Rome, Italy, that exudes the grandeur and opulence of the Italian Renaissance. This historic building is not only a testament to the architectural brilliance of the 16th century but also houses a...
~1260 ftSE
Church, Baroque architecture
Sant'Agata in Trastevere, Rome
7 min walk • Sant'Agata in Trastevere is one of the churches of Rome, located in the Trastevere district, at Largo San Giovanni de Matha, 91. The church is dedicated to the Sicilian St Agatha, martyred in approximately 251, whose cult soon spread well beyond Sicily.
~360 ftNE
Bridge
Ponte Sisto, Rome
2 min walk • Ponte Sisto is a bridge in Rome's historic centre, spanning the river Tiber. It connects Via dei Pettinari in the Rione of Regola to Piazza Trilussa in Trastevere.
~910 ftS
Palace
Palazzo San Callisto, Rome
5 min walk • The Palazzo San Callisto is a Baroque palace in the Trastevere neighborhood of Rome and one of the extraterritorial Properties of the Holy See.
~1020 ftNW
Baroque architecture, Museum, Art museum
Palazzo Corsini, Rome
5 min walk • The Palazzo Corsini is a prominent late-baroque palace in Rome, erected for the Corsini family between 1730 and 1740 as an elaboration of the prior building on the site, a 15th-century villa of the Riario family, based on designs of Ferdinando Fuga.
~210 ftNW
Church
San Giovanni della Malva in Trastevere, Rome
1 min walk • San Giovanni della Malva in Trastevere is a church in Rome, in the Trastevere district, located in Piazza di S. Giovanni della Malva. It is the Albanian national church in Rome.
~700 ftS
Museum, Specialty museum, History museum
Museo di Roma in Trastevere, Rome
4 min walk • The Museo di Roma in Trastevere was established in 1977 in the restored Carmelite convent of Sant'Egidio. It was initially known as the Museo del Folklore e dei Poeti Romaneschi.
~620 ftW
City gate
Porta Settimiana, Rome
4 min walk • Porta Settimiana is one of the gates of the Aurelian walls in Rome. It rises at the northern vertex of the rough triangle traced by the town walls – built by Emperor Aurelian in the 3rd century – in the area of Trastevere an up through the Janiculum.
~1070 ftN
Baroque architecture, Vernacular architecture, Palace
Palazzo Falconieri, Rome
6 min walk • The Palazzo Falconieri is a palace in Rome, Italy formed in the seventeenth century as a result of remodelling by the Baroque architect Francesco Borromini. It is the home of the Hungarian Academy Rome, since its foundation in 1927.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Fontanone di Ponte Sisto?

Nearby attractions include San Giovanni della Malva in Trastevere, Rome (1 min walk), Ponte Sisto, Rome (2 min walk), La Scala in Trastevere, Rome (3 min walk), Santa Dorotea, Rome (3 min walk).

How to get to Fontanone di Ponte Sisto by public transport?

The nearest stations to Fontanone di Ponte Sisto:

Bus

Lgt Farnesina/Trilussa • Lines: 23, 280, n11 (2 min walk)
Lgt Vallati/Pettinari • Lines: 23, 280, n10 (3 min walk)

Tram

Belli • Lines: 8 (7 min walk)
Trastevere/Mastai • Lines: 8 (9 min walk)

Ferry

Isola Tiberina • Lines: Battelli di Roma (9 min walk)
Sant'Angelo • Lines: Battelli di Roma (18 min walk)

Train

Roma San Pietro (22 min walk)
Quattro Venti (28 min walk)

Metro

Circo Massimo • Lines: B (28 min walk)
Colosseo • Lines: B (29 min walk)

Light rail

Roma Porta San Paolo • Lines: Fc2 (33 min walk)