A Unique Fountain By Rome's Spanish Steps Offers Free Drinking Water Beloved By The Locals

The saying "When in Rome" can have various applications. It could mean following Rick Steves' advice for how to see the city in a day, or it could mean taking to the backstreets to discover Rome's more underrated attractions. While the term usually has romantic connotations, the complete phrase actually reads: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." And the Romans love to drink water from a unique fountain at the base of the Spanish Steps: the Fontana della Barcaccia.

Located in the Piazza di Spagna in the heart of Rome, the Fontana della Barcaccia is actually about a century older than the iconic steps it sits below. Commissioned in 1627 as part of a city-wide revitalization effort by Pope Urban VIII, the fountain was designed and constructed by father-son duo Pietro and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The aim of the project was to connect the fountain to the city's restored ancient aqueduct, thereby providing Roman neighborhoods with easily accessible drinking fountains.

The importance of this feat is somewhat dampened by the fact that, on any given day, the Piazza di Spagna is mobbed with tourists anxious to see the Spanish Steps, which are arguably one of the best things to do if you have limited time in Rome. However, it would behoove you to truly do as Romans have done for centuries: admire and drink from this wonderfully artistic fountain.

Like the nearby Trevi Fountain, which is another iconic Roman landmark, the Fontana della Barcaccia is as much a work of art as it is a functional municipal fountain. Where the Trevi is magnificent in size and scope, the Fontana della Barcaccia's beauty is unique and somewhat understated. Constructed to resemble a sinking boat, the design actually brings art, logistics, and history together in one structure.

The story goes that during the disastrous Christmas Flood of 1598, a small boat washed up into the middle of the Piazza di Spagna. A few decades later, the fountain's design is that of a marble boat sinking beneath the surface of the piazza. It's a dramatic scene where water shoots out from multiple spouts, giving the illusion of a ship submerged.

Keen-eyed visitors will also notice that the fountain sits below the street level. This was an ingenious decision on the part of the builders, who literally sank the boat into the piazza in order to adapt the fountain to the low water pressure of the ancient aqueduct they were connecting to. So, not only does this fountain honor a specific period of Rome's history, but it does so in an artful and totally practical way.

While many travelers will simply admire the Fontana della Barcaccia as an additional layer of beauty to the Spanish Steps, those who abide by the "When in Rome" motto would do well to observe what the locals do. Because it was constructed to provide drinking water to city residents, the water coming out of the fountain is 100% drinkable. In fact, local residents still use it to fill up their water bottles to this day.

Accessing the fountain for drinking is quite simple. On either end of the fountain there are small walkways that lead you to a semi-submerged marble platform. These give you access to the four spouts that emit fresh, cool aqueduct water. Simply hold your travel mug or reusable water bottle underneath the flow and wait for it to be filled.

Many describe the water as having a wonderfully refreshing flavor. As it is filtered and drawn through a refurbished ancient aqueduct, the water itself is crystal clear and cold. So, if you ever find yourself in Rome, do as the Romans do and take a drink from this remarkable fountain. It's a nice treat for yourself after you've ascended or descended that beautiful neighboring staircase.