The fountain decorating the Via Giulia in Rome is known as the Fontana del Mascherone (“Fountain of the Mask”). It is located across the road from the back of the Palazzo Farnese, against the wall separating the street from the river Tiber.
A brief history of the Fontana del Mascherone in Rome
As early as 1570, there were plans to build a fountain on the Via Giulia. Originally, this fountain was to be fed by the Acqua Vergine aqueduct. However, water for the fountain would eventually enter the city via the Acquedotto Paolo, which was built in 1612.
The fountain was built on behalf of the Farnese family. The architect was Girolamo Rainaldi, who had also designed the twin fountains on the Piazza Farnese for the same family.
Originally, the fountain formed the centre of a small square, with an open-air theater.
The wall was only built towards the end of the 19th century.
The fountain consists of an ancient granite tub that placed in a basin decorated with pieces of multi-coloured marble. The ancient mask, which probably dates from Roman times, is placed in the center. The lily on top of the fountain indicates that it was built on behalf of the Farnese family.
When there was a family celebration in the Farnese household, wine used to come out of the fountain instead of water.