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Fountain of the Eagle

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Fountain of the Eagle (Vatican)

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The Fountain of the Eagle (Fontana dell'Aquila) is one of the most prominent and scenic water features within the Vatican Gardens, representing a peak of Roman Baroque garden design. It was commissioned by Pope Paul V of the Borghese family and constructed between 1611 and 1612 to celebrate the extension of the Acqua Paola aqueduct to the Vatican. The fountain was designed by Giovanni Vasanzio (Jan van Santen), who created an elaborate artificial rock grotto crowned by a large eagle and a dragon, which are the heraldic symbols of the Borghese dynasty. Water cascades over multiple stony tiers, creating a dramatic and cooling effect amidst the dense greenery of the Vatican Hill. Geographically, its hillside location allowed engineers to exploit gravity for the impressive water display. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the fountain served as a monumental statement of the Pope's success in restoring Rome's water infrastructure. It remains one of the finest preserved examples of 17th-century hydraulic art within the Holy See.

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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Visiting
The Fountain of the Eagle is an impressive water feature in the Vatican Gardens, accessible only on a guided tour. It is outdoors, sturdy footwear is recommended.
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Typical hours
Garden tours are usually offered in the morning, exact start times vary. Updated information is available on the official Vatican website.
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Photography
Photography of the fountain for personal use is allowed during the tour. Please avoid flash and tripods to maintain tranquility.
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Time needed
A stop at the Fountain of the Eagle lasts about 10-15 minutes during the tour. The full garden tour takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
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Combine with
Combine this fountain with the nearby Eagle Fountain Terrace and the Fountain of the Sacrament. The gardens offer a dense sequence of baroque water artworks.
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Getting there
Access is via the Vatican Museums after booking a garden tour. The meeting point is usually at the Cortile della Pigna, then proceeds on foot.
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Insider tip
Look for the eagle relief on the fountain - a popular photo subject. Book a tour with a guide who explains the fountain's history.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90400, 12.45200

Facts

  • Constructed between 1611 and 1612 by order of Pope Paul V Borghese.
  • Designed by the Flemish-born architect Giovanni Vasanzio.
  • It was the first Vatican fountain to be supplied by the Acqua Paola aqueduct.
  • The sculptures of the eagle and dragon represent the Borghese coat of arms.
  • Sculptor Stefano Maderno contributed to the stonework of the fountain.
  • The fountain is built directly into the hillside of the Vatican Gardens.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Sunken Moss BankSunken Moss Bank<1 km · SWExplore →
Medaglie d'OroMedaglie d'Oro2 km · NWExplore →
Palazzo SpadaPalazzo Spada2 km · SEExplore →
FlaminioFlaminio3 km · NEExplore →
Val CannutaVal Cannuta3 km · WExplore →
Porta PiaPorta Pia3 km · EExplore →
GianicolenseGianicolense4 km · SExplore →
ColosseumColosseum4 km · SEExplore →

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 Fountain of the Eagle (10)

Pius IV House

Seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, a Renaissance building in Vatican City.

Galleria delle Carte Geografiche🏛 museum

Map-filled art museum, displaying 16th-century topographical maps of Italy.

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Padiglione delle carrozze🏛 museum

Pavilion of carriages, part of the Vatican Museums.

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St Mary's Church

Church building in Vatican City, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Vatican Art Gallery🏛 museum

Branch of the Vatican Museums, exhibiting paintings and sculptures.

Vatican Hill

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

Tower of the Winds🗼 tower

Tower in Vatican City, used for astronomical observations.

Belvedere Courtyard

Former Vatican courtyard, part of the Belvedere complex.

Sistine Chapel

Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, famous for Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes.

Cupola di San Pietro

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

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called the Fountain of the Eagle?
Because of the eagle sculpture, the heraldic symbol of the Borghese family.
Which Pope commissioned the fountain?
Pope Paul V (Borghese) in the early 17th century.
Where in the Vatican is this fountain located?
In the Vatican Gardens, behind St. Peter's Basilica.
What material is the fountain made of?
It was constructed from travertine stone and bronze elements.
Can you visit the fountain?
Yes, but only during an official guided tour of the Vatican Gardens.
Fountain of the Eagle: where is it located?
Fountain of the Eagle is located in Vatican.
Fountain of the Eagle: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pius IV House, Galleria delle Carte Geografiche, Padiglione delle carrozze.
Fountain of the Eagle: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Fountain of the Eagle: why is it worth visiting?
The Fountain of the Eagle (Fontana dell'Aquila) is one of the most prominent and scenic water features within the Vatican Gardens, representing a peak of Roman Baroque garden design.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Fountain of the Galley — Fountain of the Eagle (Vatican)
Fountain of the Galley
A decorative fountain in the Vatican Gardens evocative of maritime themes.
Bunker Access — Fountain of the Eagle (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
Observatory Crest — Fountain of the Eagle (Vatican)
Observatory Crest
An elevated point in the north of the Vatican Gardens where astronomical observations formerly took place.

Nature

Sunken Moss Bank — Fountain of the Eagle (Vatican)
Sunken Moss Bank
A shaded section of the embankment near the western city wall.
Radio Tower Hill Rise — Fountain of the Eagle (Vatican)
Radio Tower Hill Rise
A distinct rise in the terrain, on which the radio transmitter tower of Vatican Radio stands.

More places

Palace of Leo XIII — Fountain of the Eagle (Vatican)
Palace of Leo XIII
This elegant building in the Vatican Gardens was designed as a summer residence for Pope Leo XIII.
Governatorato Palace — Fountain of the Eagle (Vatican)
Governatorato Palace
The administrative center of Vatican City, housing the government of the state.
Gallery of Maps — Fountain of the Eagle (Vatican)
Gallery of Maps
A 120-meter long corridor painted with 16th-century topographical maps of Italy.
Ethiopian College — Fountain of the Eagle (Vatican)
Ethiopian College
The only educational institution located entirely within the territory of Vatican City.
Storage Annex — Fountain of the Eagle (Vatican)
Storage Annex
A functional building used for the storage of operational materials.
St. Peter&#39;s Dome — Fountain of the Eagle (Vatican)
St. Peter's Dome
The most distinctive feature of Rome's skyline, designed by Michelangelo.
St. Peter&#39;s Basilica — Fountain of the Eagle (Vatican)
St. Peter's Basilica
The world's largest church, built over the burial site of St.
Gregorian Etruscan Museum — Fountain of the Eagle (Vatican)
Gregorian Etruscan Museum
The museum is dedicated to Etruscan art and culture.