Rome is not only history, monuments, art, culture, parks, good food, and you name it… Rome is also immediately identified by a peculiarity: it is the only city in the world that is home to the famous ‘nasoni’. But what are these nasoni? They are more than 2 thousand public fountains from which fresh water always flows (thanks to an exemplary water network built by the ancient Romans!). The name ‘nasoni‘, comes from the fact that their particular shape precisely resembles a large nose. They are cast-iron fountains about one meter in height, and it is the cast-iron pipe – or cinnamon – that emerges from this ‘central body’ and from which the water flows, that has the shape of Nasone.
The ingenuity of the ancient Romans then, gave these little monuments of Rome, one more identifying – and functional – feature: in the center of the nasone, there is a small hole from which, if you block the water jet at the end of the cinnamon, a smaller jet of water comes out, allowing for easier drinking. Nasons are probably among the highest examples of democracy, because they unceasingly quench the thirst of everyone, Romans as well as tourists or simply those passing through, and even animals.
On torrid summer days, the nasoni serve an even more important function: anyone can drink, perhaps wet their face and head and then walk through with newfound vigor and interest a city like Rome that offers incredible wonders all waiting to be discovered. The nasoni are part of a landscape, that of the Capital, which is absolutely distinctive: that of water and monumental fountains that contribute to the cultural and artistic heritage of an entire city and all of Italy. On these hot July days, therefore, if you encounter a nasone, do not hesitate to quench your thirst from its cool waters, perhaps filling a small bottle or water bottle and then continue on your way.