The big noses of Rome

The famous public drinking water fountains in Rome

Fountain of Rome "Nasone" at the Circus Maximus

The big noses is a public drinking water fountain widely spread in Rome. With a cylindrical shape and equipped with a curved tap, often perforated in the center, which recalls the shape of a nose.
The oldest examples were equipped with three taps in the shape of a dragon's head such as the one in Piazza del Pantheon.
This fountain is considered a symbol of Rome where over 5 thousand specimens of nasoni have been recorded.

History

Rome's nasoni have a history dating back to the 19th century. They were designed to address the growing need to provide free drinking water to the citizens of Rome. The water supplied by the nasoni comes mainly from the Agro Romano, the fertile countryside surrounding the city. The water flows from natural springs and has been an important resource for the city of Rome for centuries.

Public water: These fountains were designed as a form of public service to ensure access to drinking water to anyone who needed it, at no additional cost. This was an important initiative to improve the quality of life of Roman citizens.

Widespread distribution: Over the years, thousands of noses have been installed throughout the city, covering every corner of Rome and becoming an integral part of the urban fabric.

Interesting anecdotes about the Nasoni of Rome

The "prostration" gesture: Many Roman residents and tourists have adapted to a gesture known as "prostration" to drink from a big nose. This involves bending forward slightly to drink water from your nose without getting wet and is a fun tradition related to big noses.

Artistic noses: Many noses have been creatively decorated by local artists. These decorated noses add a touch of beauty to the streets of Rome and demonstrate how these fountains are also appreciated as artistic expressions.

The noses and the water crisis: In 2017, due to a severe water crisis, many noses were temporarily closed to conserve water. This demonstrated how vital and precious Rome's noses are to the city's water supply.

Nosies and mineral water: Despite the high-quality water dispensed by noses, many people prefer bottled mineral water. This choice has raised discussions on sustainability and the conscious use of water resources.

Restorations and maintenance: Over the years, the noses have been subject to restoration and maintenance projects to preserve their integrity and ensure accessibility to quality water.