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Eagle Fountain Pond

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Eagle Fountain Pond (Vatican)

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The Eagle Fountain Pond (Fontana dell'Aquila) is a masterpiece of Baroque water architecture and a focal point of the natural landscape within the Vatican. Designed between 1611 and 1612 by Giovanni Vasanzio for Pope Paul V Borghese, the fountain celebrates the arrival of the Aqua Paola water supply to the Vatican. The pond is dominated by an artificial rock structure topped by an impressive eagle with spread wings, the heraldic symbol of the Borghese family. Water cascades over the rocks into a large basin surrounded by reeds and aquatic plants, providing a home to numerous goldfish and water turtles. The moisture-rich environment around the pond supports a lush growth of ferns and mosses, creating a cool, mystical atmosphere even in the height of summer. Benches located nearby make this one of the most popular spots for rest and reflection within the gardens. The Eagle Fountain is not only a technical monument to water engineering but also a work of art that perfectly embodies the power and aesthetic ambition of the Borghese era. Maintenance of its complex water features and the pond's delicate ecosystem requires significant horticultural and technical expertise.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C781014182326262117128
Rain mm7377695657342626708211492

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Access to this Baroque water basin is only possible as part of official guided tours of the Vatican Gardens, which must be reserved online in advance.
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Best season
The proximity of the water is particularly refreshing in summer; the fountains are usually operational year-round, except during frost or maintenance.
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Terrain & paths
The terrain around the basin is level and consists of firm gravel paths, which are easily navigable even for persons with limited mobility.
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What to bring
Bring a high-quality camera to capture the reflections in the water; also, remember adequate sun protection for the unshaded areas around the pond.
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Parking
It is recommended to take Metro Line A to the Ottaviano station, as there are very few available parking spaces in the immediate vicinity of the Vatican.
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Safety
Do not lean over the fountain edge and keep children supervised at all times to prevent any accidental falls into the deep water basin.
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Time needed
A stay at the pond usually lasts about 10 minutes, during which the guide explains the history of the reservoir and its Baroque architectural features.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90320, 12.44910

Facts

  • Completed in 1612, it is one of the garden's oldest fountains.
  • It features the heraldic dragon and eagle of the Borghese family.
  • The pond's ecosystem is naturally balanced with aquatic flora.
  • The water is recycled through a sophisticated pumping system.
  • It was built to showcase the return of running water to the Vatican Hill.
  • The surrounding area is notable for its cool shaded microclimate.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Medaglie d'OroMedaglie d'Oro2 km · NExplore →
Palazzo SpadaPalazzo Spada2 km · SEExplore →
Della VittoriaDella Vittoria3 km · NExplore →
Val CannutaVal Cannuta3 km · WExplore →
GianicolenseGianicolense3 km · SExplore →
Porta PiaPorta Pia4 km · EExplore →
PrimavallePrimavalle4 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Eagle Fountain Pond (10)

Lourdes Grotto

Building in Vatican City, replica of the Lourdes grotto.

Vatican Hill

Hill in Rome, location of St. Peter's Basilica.

St Mary's Church

Church building in Vatican City.

St John's Tower🗼 tower

Building in Vatican City, medieval tower.

Porta Pertusa

Building in Rome, Italy, gate to the Vatican Gardens.

Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians⛪ church

Church of Vatican City, dedicated to Saint Stephen and the Ethiopians.

Pius IV House

Seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.

Cupola di San Pietro

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica, landmark of Vatican City.

Dome of Saint Peter

Viewpoint atop St. Peter's dome, overlooking Rome.

Saint Peter's Basilica

Main church of Vatican City, a Renaissance masterpiece.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Do fish live in the pond?
Yes, goldfish and koi often swim in the Eagle Fountain pond.
Are you allowed to feed the fish?
No, feeding is prohibited to maintain water quality and animal health.
What does the sculpture represent?
It shows an imposing eagle, a symbol of power and the Holy Spirit.
When was the fountain built?
It was built in the early 17th century under Pope Paul V.
Are there benches there?
There are some seating options nearby for a brief rest.
Eagle Fountain Pond: where is it located?
Eagle Fountain Pond is located in Vatican.
Eagle Fountain Pond: what is there to see?
Highlights include Lourdes Grotto, Vatican Hill, St Mary's Church.
Eagle Fountain Pond: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Eagle Fountain Pond: why is it worth visiting?
The Eagle Fountain Pond (Fontana dell'Aquila) is a masterpiece of Baroque water architecture and a focal point of the natural landscape within the Vatican.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Vatican City Heliport — Eagle Fountain Pond (Vatican)
Vatican City Heliport
The heliport is located at the westernmost tip of the state.
Vatican City Railway Station — Eagle Fountain Pond (Vatican)
Vatican City Railway Station
The only railway station in the world's smallest state.
Fountain of the Galley — Eagle Fountain Pond (Vatican)
Fountain of the Galley
A decorative fountain in the Vatican Gardens evocative of maritime themes.
Bunker Access — Eagle Fountain Pond (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
Vatican Radio — Eagle Fountain Pond (Vatican)
Vatican Radio
Vatican Radio is the official broadcasting service of the Holy See, established in 1931 by Guglielmo Marconi.
Eagle Fountain Terrace — Eagle Fountain Pond (Vatican)
Eagle Fountain Terrace
An observation terrace at mid-height on Vatican Hill.
Porta Pertusa — Eagle Fountain Pond (Vatican)
Porta Pertusa
This historical gate in the Leonine Wall dates from the 16th century and is located near the Vatican heliport.
Vatican Gas Station — Eagle Fountain Pond (Vatican)
Vatican Gas Station
The Vatican gas station provides duty-free fuel to official vehicles and those of authorized employees.

Nature

Colle Vaticano Summit — Eagle Fountain Pond (Vatican)
Colle Vaticano Summit
This is the highest natural point within the boundaries of Vatican City.
Japanese Maple Area — Eagle Fountain Pond (Vatican)
Japanese Maple Area
Various species of Japanese maple are planted in a special part of the gardens.

More places

Ethiopian College — Eagle Fountain Pond (Vatican)
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The only educational institution located entirely within the territory of Vatican City.
Tower of San Giovanni — Eagle Fountain Pond (Vatican)
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A massive tower in the Vatican Gardens, part of the medieval fortifications.
Governatorato Palace — Eagle Fountain Pond (Vatican)
Governatorato Palace
The administrative center of Vatican City, housing the government of the state.
Palace of Leo XIII — Eagle Fountain Pond (Vatican)
Palace of Leo XIII
This elegant building in the Vatican Gardens was designed as a summer residence for Pope Leo XIII.
San Carlo Palace — Eagle Fountain Pond (Vatican)
San Carlo Palace
A significant residential building within the Vatican, serving as a residence for clerics and officials of the Roman Curia.
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Canons' Palace
This monumental residential complex houses the canons of St.
St. Peter&#39;s Basilica — Eagle Fountain Pond (Vatican)
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The world's largest church, built over the burial site of St.
St. Peter&#39;s Dome — Eagle Fountain Pond (Vatican)
St. Peter's Dome
The most distinctive feature of Rome's skyline, designed by Michelangelo.