Since ancient times Rome was known as Regina Aquarum, the queen of the waters, and the fountains, in addition to being places of fun and embellishment, represented a real exhibition of the exceptional availability of water, which further increased the magnificence and the power of the city.
Dionysius of Halicarnassus wrote in the first century BC, at the time of Augustus: "It seems to me that the greatness of the Roman Empire is revealed admirably in three things, the aqueducts, the streets, the sewers".
The history of water transported through the pipelines began in 312 BC when, thanks to Appio Claudio Cieco, the first water arrived in Rome at the foot of the Aventine through an artificial pipe more than 16 kilometers long. A real river of water arrived in Rome in the Imperial Age and the management was then in the hands of the "curatores aquarum", who over time became the so-called "presidents of urban aqueducts".
Since the 1930s (1937), Acea has managed the water service in the city of Rome.
The ancient Romans considered water - aqueducts, fountains and spas - symbols of civilization and progress.
Even today Rome is full of fountains and drinking fountains. Some are simple trays, others are large fountains. These magnificent monuments, built over the centuries, celebrate the triumph of water. Throughout the city there are more than 1,500. Most are located in the historic center, some fountains are "hidden" in the courtyards of the buildings and in the gardens of the villas.
Rome is also famous for its "Nasoni", the characteristic cast iron fountain, over 2,500 spread throughout the city.
What is the Mostra fountain
In past centuries it was used to finish the aqueducts that brought water to Rome with a very special fountain. The exhibition fountain was a real source, where it was possible to drink or take water, but also a monument, a sculpture to make a square or a road more beautiful and to show the power and wealth of those who, a pope, a nobleman, had the incredible artistic work built.
Some "Mostra" Fountains:
The Trevi Fountain, Acqua Paola Fountain, Triton Fountain, Fountain of the Naiads, Moses fountain, Fountain of the Four Rivers, the Moro and the Neptune and the Turtle Fountain.
