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Fountain of the Tiaras in the Borgo district: Papal symbols in travertine along the Pope’s Corridor
Leaning against the walls of the Passetto di Borgo (the Pope’s escape route), just a few steps from Porta Angelica, the Fontana delle Tiare (Fountain of the Tiaras) is one of the nine district fountains created in travertine by Pietro Lombardi between 1927 and 1928, commissioned by the city’s Governor Filippo Cremonesi. The concept was simple and precise: one fountain for each rione (district), each featuring its distinctive symbols. For the Borgo district, the closest to the Vatican, the choice was obvious.
Design and features
The fountain depicts three papal tiaras surmounted by a fourth crowning one, with the Keys of St Peter placed between them. Three shell-shaped basins collect water from as many spouts. In the spaces between the keys, the coats of arms of Rome and the district are visible. The entire structure is made of travertine, and was restored between 1998 and 1999.
The other fountains and lost history
Several fountains from Lombardi's original group survive today: Libri (Books), Anfore (Amphorae), Artisti (Artists), Monti (Mountains), Botte (Cask), Timone (Rudder), Pigna (Pine cone), Palle di Cannone (Cannonballs), and this one. Some were lost, including one in the San Lorenzo district during the 1943 bombings. The fountain in Piazza Scossacavalli was dismantled during the demolition of the Spina di Borgo (to make way for Via della Conciliazione) in 1937, and moved to Via Cassia in 1964.
