The marble front
Granite columns from the old St Peter's and marble from the Forum of Nerva — a fountain built from other buildings.
Labicanense — CC BY 4.0 · Fabrizio Garrisi — CC0 · Fabrizio Garrisi — CC0 · Fabrizio Garrisi — CC0
A monumental fountain on the Janiculum slope above Trastevere, built by Pope Paul V in 1612 as the terminus of a restored ancient aqueduct. Romans call it the Fontanone — the big fountain — and it is the first thing you see of the city panorama as you climb the hill. Its marble front looks more like a church façade than a fountain: granite columns taken from the old St Peter's and marble from the Forum of Nerva — frank reuse, as was always the Roman way. In front of it a small terrace opens onto the whole of Rome: domes, rooftops and the Colosseum on the horizon. It is entirely free, and far less crowded than the main Janiculum viewpoint minutes away. The world met it in the opening scene of The Great Beauty (2013), and it has been one of Rome's best-known photo spots ever since — come at sunset.
Granite columns from the old St Peter's and marble from the Forum of Nerva — a fountain built from other buildings.
An open sweep over Rome's domes and rooftops — quieter than the main Janiculum lookout.
Via Garibaldi, Janiculum Hill, Rome
JaniculumThe highest hill in central Rome (and not one of the classic seven), with the ci5 minutes walk4.8
Museo di Roma in TrastevereIn the years after 1870 Rome was being torn apart to be reborn as the capital of5 minutes walk4.4
piazza di Santa Maria in TrastevereThe beating heart of Trastevere: a square with a fountain at its centre and step6 minutes walk4.7
Galleria SpadaA corridor that looks thirty-seven metres long is in fact about eight. The statu11 minutes walk4.4
Campo de' FioriThe only square in historic central Rome without a church — and that is no accid13 minutes walk4.5Looking for halal food near Fontana dell'Acqua Paola? There are several options nearby, from Moroccan and Indian kitchens to quick casual spots and places with a view. Confirm the halal status and opening hours before you go — these can change.
Yes — ten minutes apart on the same road. Start at the fountain for sunset, then climb to the terrace as the city lights come on.