by C. P.
Social media posts and videos are full of stories about water not being free in Italy’s restaurants, going so far as to claim that “there is no water in Europe” (a huge leap of logic, if you ask us). While customs on the subject are different in many parts of the continent, with Rome being one of the cities where still or sparkling water costs a few euros a bottle in every restaurant, when you are out and about you will get a pleasant surprise: free water at every corner. So much so that you really don’t need to buy it in cafes or shops (We already discussed this in 2019)!
We would like to emphasize that free water is one of the most practical and beloved features of Rome, and it often goes unnoticed by tourists! So read on…
While you would be fined if you tried to drink from one of Rome’s monumental fountains, there is one type that was built to allow you to do just that! They are called “nasone“, plural “nasoni“, because the water spout looks like a “big nose”. In a city full of ancient buildings and art, these ubiquitous fountains are actually quite modern: they date back to the late 19th century.
One Luigi Pianciani, the mayor of Rome at the time, made a revolutionary decision: to supply the city with a public water distribution system to promote hygiene and ensure the health of citizens. The only thing that was rooted in history was the fact that these fountains would be free.
The nasoni continue a Roman tradition of public water access. The city views clean water as a fundamental right for all, not a commodity to be sold. This philosophy dates back to the extensive aqueduct systems of ancient Rome, which was continued by many popes who commissioned for monumental fountains to be built so that citizens could stock up on water.
There are over 2,500 nasoni scattered across Rome. You’ll find them in popular tourist areas, residential neighborhoods, and parks. Some notable locations include:
If you need exact locations, there are several apps designed to help people find nasoni:
1. “I Nasoni di Roma” (The Nasoni of Rome): This app was created specifically to help users find the nearest nasoni in Rome.
2. “WeTap”: This app aims to map public drinking fountains in various cities, including Rome’s nasoni.
3. “Waidy WOW”: Developed by ACEA, Rome’s water utility company, this app helps locate nasoni and other water points in Rome and other Italian cities: this app locates even ACEA-operated, modern water stations, the most visible of which is just outside the Colosseum metro stop.
4. “Refill”: While not specific to Rome, this international app includes data on public water fountains in many cities, including Rome.
These apps typically use GPS to show users the locations of nearby nasoni on a map. Some may also provide additional information such as the quality of water or whether a particular fountain is currently functioning.
It’s worth noting that app availability and features can vary depending on your device’s operating system and your location. Even without an app, though, nasoni are quite common throughout Rome, especially in more central areas where tourists are more likely to be staying, so you’re likely to come across them naturally as you walk around.
The water flowing from nasoni comes directly from the mountains surrounding Rome via modern aqueducts. It’s the same high-quality water used in Roman homes. The constant flow keeps the water fresh, and regular testing ensures its safety.
This is why you can skip buying water at a shop! A reusable water bottle can be your companion as you explore the city: just fill it up and go! Not only will you stay hydrated, but you’ll also reduce plastic waste and save money. However, no: you just cannot use this trick in restaurants: it is considered extremely rude!
Keep an eye out for these essential fountains. They’re a testament to Rome’s commitment to public welfare and a refreshing way to connect with the city’s ancient past!
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