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The Fountain of the Mask (Fontana del Mascherone di Santa Sabina) in the Square Pietro D’Illiria , located at the entrance of the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) on the Aventine Hill, is a notable landmark in Rome.
Designed by the renowned architect Giacomo della Porta in 1593, this intriguing Fountain features a distinctive marble mask. Originally part of a fountain in the Roman Forum, this mask has a storied past, having been moved several times before finding its current home.
The basin below the mask is from an ancient Roman thermal bath, likely dating back to the 1st or 2nd century AD, highlighting the blend of historical elements in its design. The Fountain is approximately 1.5 meters in height and 2 meters in width.
Notably, this mask bears a strong resemblance to the Mouth of Truth, which is located nearby.
Fountain in the movie “The Great Beauty.”
In one of the opening scenes (15th minute) of the movie “The Great Beauty” (2013), the main character, Jep Gambardella, drinks from a nasone, a typical Roman drinking fountain situated next to this historic Fountain.
He then walks past, setting the stage for the film’s exploration of Rome’s beauty and decadence.
This scene emphasizes the Fountain’s serene and historical ambiance, making it a notable spot for both locals and tourists.
History of Creation
The Fontana del Mascherone is an exemplary piece of Roman Baroque artistry. The Fountain consists of a large marble mask with furrowed brows and a prominent mustache. It was designed by stonemason Bartolomeo Bassi and based on drawings by Giacomo della Porta.
The mask, created in 1593, was originally part of a fountain in the Campo Vaccino, situated above the granite thermal bath basin currently beneath it. This basin functioned as a watering trough for herds grazing there.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Pope Pius VII Chiaramonti (1800-1823) transferred the granite basin to Montecavallo to serve as a fountain under the statues of the Dioscuri. Consequently, the mask was moved to the Porto Leonino and installed in the Fountain of Acqua Lancisiana. It remained there until 1897 when the structure was dismantled to make way for the construction of the Lungotevere.
In 1936, architect Antonio Muñoz reassembled the mask and basin into a single structure. He placed it in a niche along the walls of the Giardino degli Aranci, where it continues to charm visitors with its historical and artistic significance.
Both fountains are essential stops for anyone exploring the rich historical and architectural heritage of Rome’s Aventine Hill, offering insights into the city’s past and a tranquil escape from the bustling urban environment.
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