Travertine; granite

1st phase:

• uncertain

2nd phase:

• Carlo Maderno

3rd phase:

• Gian Lorenzo Bernini

1st phase:

• Uncertain but within 1490

2nd phase:

• 1614

3rd phase:

• 1667

Height:

• 8 m circa

Circumference upper basin:

• 16 m

Circumference octangonal basin:

• 30 m

In line with the obelisk and major axis of square

    The fountain located to the right of the obelisk, looking at the Basilica, was built at the behest of Pope Innocent VIII ( 1484-1492 ). The original structure was composed of a circular base with three steps, on which two basins of different size were placed, receiving water from a decorated central element . It was restored in 1501 by order of Pope Alexander VI ( 1492-1503).

    In 1614, Carlo Maderno was commissioned by Pope Paul V ( 1605-1621) to change the fountain, providing it with an octagonal base decorated by dragons and Borghese eagles, and replacing the lower basin.

    The only piece of granite salvaged from the original fountain is the lower basin. The entire body was placed in a much larger, slightly oval basin with a multilinear profile. The base bears the papal coat of arms of Paul V ( 1605-1621).


    In 1667 Gian Lorenzo Bernini demolished Maderno’s fountain and rebuilt it with small variations placing it again on the right side, but moving it a few meters forward, in line with the obelisk. It was inaugurated in 1677.

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