Er Fontanone on the Gianicolo hill

Er Fontanone (ahr phohn-tahn-oune) is one of most iconic places in Rome.
The “Acqua Paola fountain”, its real name, the other is the nickname romans gave to it, is the terminal of the “Acqua Paola” aqueduct (Paul’s water, from the name of Pope Paolo V, from the Borghese family), result of the restoration of the ancient emperor Trajan aqueduct which, receiving water from Lake Bracciano, would have allowed the water autonomy of the areas to the right side of the river.

Er Fontanone shows its monumental facade animated by angels, eagles and dragons (symbols of the Borghese family) and consists of five arches and six granite columns: part of the marble used was taken from Trajan and Nerva forum, four granite columns were from the old S. Peter basilica.

From 1901 to the 1930s, the “fontanone” water fed the first hydroelectric power station in Rome.
A famous italian song of the 70s, “Roma capoccia” (“Rome head of the mean world”) from Antonello Venditti, a Rome born singer, sings:
“Quanto sei bella Roma quann’è sera, quanno la luna se specchia dentro ar Fontanone”
(“How beautiful you are, Rome, when evening falls and the moon reflects in the Fontanone water”).

Er Fontanone with its shiny white marble facade and columns standing on the top of the Gianicolo hill, surrounded by tall trees and their green crown, it’s perfectly visible from the left side of river part of town: most of the romans, passing along the river bank everyday, gives it a quick glance receiving sort of proof that the world is ok if the fontanone is still there standing…