The Trofei di Mario can be found on the north-eastern corner of the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II in Rome. It is the rather misnamed ruin of a monumental fountain that used to be the showpiece at the end of one of the city’s aqueducts.
Trofei di Mario Rome
History and description
The Trofei di Mario has been called thus since the Middle Ages, even though the two trophies that used to adorn it have since been moved to the balustrade of the Campidoglio.
For a long time is was thought that the monument was a memorial dedicated to the victory by Gaius Marius on the Cimbri and Teutones (101 BC).
In reality the monument is of a more recent origin. It was a monumental fountain built in 226 AD, at the end of a branche of either the Acqua Claudia or the Anio Novus Aqueduct.
It is located on the highest point of the Esquiline Hill and has three floors, the upper one of which has a central niche which is flanked by two open arc hes.
The water used to fall into a basin from the upper part of the fountain and was then transported to lower parts of the city.
Tourist Attractions Near Trofei di Mario
- At the back of the monument another gate can be seen. This is known as the Porta Magica, and has an interesting legend attached to it.
- Across the road from the Trofei di Mario the Church of Sant’Eusebio all’Esquilino can be seen.