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Fountain of the Tiara

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Fountain of the Tiara (Vatican)

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The Fountain of the Tiara (Fontana della Tiara) is an elegant 20th-century monument located within the Vatican City, specifically near the Church of Sant'Anna. Designed in 1927 by the architect Pietro Lombardi, the fountain was part of a series of civic works intended to decorate the streets of Rome and the Vatican. Its structure prominently features the papal tiara (the triple crown) and the crossed keys of St. Peter, the quintessential symbols of the papacy's spiritual and temporal authority. Water flows from three stylized shell basins into a larger semicircular pool, showcasing a blend of traditional Baroque inspiration and modern formal clarity. Geographically, it is positioned near the Porta Sant'Anna, which serves as the primary entrance for Vatican employees and official residents. The fountain was commissioned shortly before the Lateran Treaty established the independent Vatican State, reflecting a period of renewed urban and symbolic identity. It remains a finely crafted example of how traditional heraldic motifs were integrated into 20th-century urban design.

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 Tiara in the Vatican Gardens is an artistic fountain whose shape recalls the papal crown. It can only be visited on a guided garden tour.
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Typical hours
Garden tours usually take place in the morning, exact times are season-dependent. Updated information is 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 the peaceful atmosphere.
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Time needed
A stop at the Fountain of the Tiara lasts about 10 minutes during the guided tour. The entire garden tour covers about 1.5 to 2 hours.
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Combine with
Combine this fountain with the nearby Fountain of the Galley and Fountain of the Eagle. The gardens offer a concentrated collection of papal motifs in their fountains.
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Getting there
Access only via the Vatican Museums with a pre-booked garden tour. The meeting point is usually at the Cortile della Pigna, where the guided tour starts.
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Insider tip
Notice the details of the tiara shape - a symbol of papal authority. Book a tour with an English-speaking guide for deeper insights.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90400, 12.45300

Facts

  • Designed by architect Pietro Lombardi and completed in 1927.
  • The central motif features the papal tiara and the keys of St. Peter.
  • Located near the Sant'Anna Gate, a major entry point to the Vatican.
  • The structure is crafted from classic Roman travertine limestone.
  • Part of a project to install characteristic fountains in various Roman districts.
  • The fountain predates the formal creation of Vatican City by two years.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Fountain of the GalleyFountain of the Galley<1 km · NExplore →
Palazzo SpadaPalazzo Spada2 km · SEExplore →
Medaglie d'OroMedaglie d'Oro2 km · NWExplore →
FlaminioFlaminio3 km · NEExplore →
Porta PiaPorta Pia3 km · EExplore →
Val CannutaVal Cannuta4 km · WExplore →
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.

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Sights in the town Fountain of the Tiara (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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Belvedere Courtyard

Former Vatican courtyard, part of the Belvedere complex.

Galleria degli Arazzi🏛 museum

Gallery of tapestries, part of the Vatican Museums.

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Raphael Rooms🏛 museum

Suite of reception rooms in the Vatican Palace, painted by Raphael and his workshop 1509-1524.

Tower of the Winds🗼 tower

Tower in Vatican City, used for astronomical observations.

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.

Dome of Saint Peter

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica, offering a view over Rome and Vatican City.

Pauline Chapel

Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, used by the pope for private masses.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Fountain of the Tiara located?
Near the Vatican walls, at Largo del Colonnato.
What does the fountain represent?
The papal tiara and the keys of Saint Peter.
Who is the sculptor of the fountain?
Pietro Lombardi created it in 1927.
Is it part of a series of fountains?
Yes, it's part of the district fountains commissioned by Rome in the 1920s.
Can you drink from the fountain?
Yes, like many Roman fountains, the water is potable.
Fountain of the Tiara: where is it located?
Fountain of the Tiara is located in Vatican.
Fountain of the Tiara: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pius IV House, Galleria delle Carte Geografiche, Belvedere Courtyard.
Fountain of the Tiara: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Fountain of the Tiara: why is it worth visiting?
The Fountain of the Tiara (Fontana della Tiara) is an elegant 20th-century monument located within the Vatican City, specifically near the Church of Sant'Anna.
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History & landmarks

Bunker Access — Fountain of the Tiara (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
Fountain of the Galley — Fountain of the Tiara (Vatican)
Fountain of the Galley
A decorative fountain in the Vatican Gardens evocative of maritime themes.
Typography Street — Fountain of the Tiara (Vatican)
Typography Street
The central street of the Vatican's publishing district, home to the printing presses and editorial offices of official media.
Vatican Fire Station — Fountain of the Tiara (Vatican)
Vatican Fire Station
The headquarters of the Vatican Fire Brigade, responsible for fire protection and safety services throughout the entire enclave.
Observatory Crest — Fountain of the Tiara (Vatican)
Observatory Crest
An elevated point in the north of the Vatican Gardens where astronomical observations formerly took place.

More places

Palace of Leo XIII — Fountain of the Tiara (Vatican)
Palace of Leo XIII
This elegant building in the Vatican Gardens was designed as a summer residence for Pope Leo XIII.
Gallery of Maps — Fountain of the Tiara (Vatican)
Gallery of Maps
A 120-meter long corridor painted with 16th-century topographical maps of Italy.
Storage Annex — Fountain of the Tiara (Vatican)
Storage Annex
A functional building used for the storage of operational materials.
San Damaso Courtyard — Fountain of the Tiara (Vatican)
San Damaso Courtyard
The primary courtyard of the Apostolic Palace, where the Holy See's protocol receives visiting heads of state and diplomatic missions.
St. Peter&#39;s Dome — Fountain of the Tiara (Vatican)
St. Peter's Dome
The most distinctive feature of Rome's skyline, designed by Michelangelo.
Vatican Pinacoteca — Fountain of the Tiara (Vatican)
Vatican Pinacoteca
A section of the Vatican Museums specialized in paintings.
Governatorato Palace — Fountain of the Tiara (Vatican)
Governatorato Palace
The administrative center of Vatican City, housing the government of the state.
Palace of Gregory XIII — Fountain of the Tiara (Vatican)
Palace of Gregory XIII
This part of the Apostolic Palace surrounds the San Damaso Courtyard.