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The big noses of Rome
The famous public drinking fountains in Rome
The nasone is a public drinking fountain widely spread in Rome. With a cylindrical shape and equipped with a curved tap, often with a hole in the center, which recalls the shape of a nose.
The oldest examples were equipped with three taps in the shape of a dragon's head, such as the one in Piazza del Pantheon.
This fountain is considered a symbol of Rome, where over 5 examples of nasoni have been recorded.
History
Rome's nasoni have a history that dates back to the 19th century. They were designed to address the growing need to provide free drinking water to the citizens of Rome. The water supplied by the nasoni comes primarily from the Agro Romano, the fertile countryside surrounding the city. The water flows from natural springs and has been an important resource for the city of Rome for centuries.
Public water: These fountains were designed as a form of public service to ensure access to drinking water to anyone who needed it, at no additional cost. This was an important initiative to improve the quality of life of Roman citizens.
Widespread distribution: Over the years, thousands of nasoni have been installed throughout the city, covering every corner of Rome and becoming an integral part of the urban fabric.
Interesting Anecdotes about the Nasoni of Rome
The gesture of "prostration": Many Roman residents and tourists have adapted a gesture known as "prostrazione" to drink from a nasone. This involves leaning slightly forward to drink water from the nose without getting wet and is a fun tradition associated with nasoni.
Artistic noses: Many nasoni have been creatively decorated by local artists. These decorated nasoni add a touch of beauty to the streets of Rome and demonstrate how these fountains are also appreciated as artistic expressions.
The Nasoni and the Water Crisis: In 2017, due to a severe water crisis, many nasoni were temporarily closed to conserve water. This demonstrated how vital and valuable Rome's nasoni are to the city's water supply.
The noses and the mineral water: Despite the high quality water supplied by the nasoni, many people prefer bottled mineral water. This choice has raised discussions on sustainability and the conscious use of water resources.
Restorations and maintenance: Over the years, the nasoni have been subject to restoration and maintenance projects to preserve their integrity and ensure accessibility to quality water.
The big nose in the Pantheon Square
Nasone fountain of Rome 01
Nasone fountain of Rome 02
Nasone fountain of Rome 03
Nasone fountain of Rome 04
The big nose in a public garden
The fountain seen from the side
The big nose seen from above
Three-nose nose
Three-nose nose
Three-nose nose
Three-nose nose
The big noses of Rome
Author
Category Fountains of Rome
Roman fountain “big nose”
3D Fountain 04
Fountain Milan
3D Fountain 01
