On Via Giulia in Rome, the Fontana del Mascherone is a small fountain with a sculpted face, a water spout and the Farnese family’s fleur-de-lis emblem above it. Its compact design is easy to miss as you walk the street, so pause to look at the mask and the basins below. The fountain is a quiet stop for anyone exploring this historic part of the city. Its water is not safe to drink, and it may not be flowing when you visit.
The mask and the Farnese emblem
The fountain’s central feature is a large carved face with water issuing from its mouth. Below it, a smaller bowl drains into a wider basin. A fleur-de-lis above the mask refers to the Farnese family, which funded the fountain.
The water may not be running when you pass. The pipes contain lead, so the fountain water is not suitable for drinking.
A stop on Via Giulia
The Fontana del Mascherone stands on Via Giulia, where it makes a brief pause during a walk through the area. Its scale is modest beside Rome’s grand fountains, and it is easy to pass without noticing the carved details. Take a moment to look up at the emblem and down at the two basins.
Rome has another fountain called Fontana del Mascherone, near Santa Sabina on the Aventine Hill. That is a separate sight; this fountain is the one on Via Giulia.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is the Fontana del Mascherone?
It is on Via Giulia in Rome.
Can you drink the fountain water?
No. Its lead pipes make the water non-potable.
Is the fountain always running?
It may be off when you visit.
When is a good time to visit?
Go early in the day or on a weekday for fewer people and better photo opportunities.
