The Fontana del Pantheon, also known as the Fountain of the Pantheon, is located in Piazza della Rotonda in front of the Pantheon in Rome, Italy.
Built in 1575, it was one of the first fountains erected in Renaissance Rome.
It was designed by Giacomo della Porta in 1575 and sculpted out of marble by Leonardo Sormani.
The fountain has a simple but elegant design, consisting of a single basin with four dolphins and four masks spouting water.
This makes it a popular spot for tourists to take photos, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere of the Piazza della Rotonda.
This fountain is a symbol of elegance and historical grandeur.
Where to find the Pantheon Fountain
The Pantheon Fountain lies outside the Pantheon in Rome, near the Piazza della Rotonda.
It is also very close to the renowned Trevi Fountain. GET DIRECTIONS
The Original Pantheon Fountain
The Fontana del Pantheon was constructed in 1570 after the restoration of the Vergine aqueduct.
This aqueduct supplied water to other famous fountains in Rome, such as the Fontana della Barcaccia, the Trevi Fountain, and the Fountain of the Four Rivers.
The original Fontana del Pantheon featured a mixed-line basin in African gray marble, distinguished by four circular arches.
The basin was surmounted by a baluster supporting another basin with four semicircles on the sides.
These semicircles held masks depicting dragons, emblematic of Pope Gregory XIII Boncompagni’s heraldic symbols (1572–1585).
An external balustrade and three surrounding steps enhanced the pool’s aesthetic.
Over time, the Della Porta complex has transformed, leaving only the exquisite marble basin from the original design.
Want to see this amazing structure? Book your tickets in advance and skip through all the crowds to enter the Pantheon as a VIP.
Transformation of Pantheon Fountain
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In 1662, the square’s floor was lowered, and the balustrade and steps were removed. A large base incorporating the mixtilinear motif of the basin was introduced.
In 1711, Pope Clement XI Albani led a significant update and introduced a new layout featuring a stone basin and the Macuteo obelisk.
This ancient obelisk from the era of Ramses II was added at the center on a plinth adorned with four dolphins.
The original marble crafted by Leonardo Sormani was removed in the late 19th century, making way for replicas by Luigi Amici.
Today, the original marble is featured in the Museum of Rome.
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FAQ’s
Who designed the Pantheon Fountain, and when?
The Pantheon Fountain was commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII, designed by Giacomo Della Porta in 1575, and sculpted by the skilled hands of Leonardo Sormani.
Where to find the Pantheon Fountain?
The Pantheon Fountain lies outside the Pantheon in Rome, near the Piazza della Rotonda. It is also very close to the renowned Trevi Fountain.
