Fontane e Nasoni

Trevi fountain

One of the many delightful things about Rome is its fountains. There are many (hundreds?) of elaborate ones, like Trevi (above) and the three fountains in the Piazza Navona.

Main fountain Piazza Navona

One of secondary ones Piazza Navona

Spanish Steps

Villa Borghese

But there are over a thousand (some sources say 2,500) smaller public fountains throughout Rome. They come in different shapes but most are squat, rounded, cast iron affairs with longish down-turned spouts. There is a little hole in the top of each spout that forms an arching spray when you stop up the open end with a finger. (I’ve tried taking a drink this way several times and have managed to get more in my face and hair than in my mouth. Will need to practice more.) 

Ubiquitous nasoni

Because of the shape of the spout on the most common ones, they are called Nasoni (long noses). They run 24/7 providing clean and delicious water. I honestly think it tastes sweet. 

         

I really like the dog-shaped ones too..

especially with dogs ... 

Nasone at Campo de'Fiori in use by a native

I would love to know more about them. If you are interested here are some more great photos and a good account.