Fontana della Navicella, Lazio Travel Guide

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A charming Roman fountain with a unique boat design, steeped in maritime history and artistic beauty on the Caelian Hill.

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Fontana della Navicella

The Fontana della Navicella, or "Fountain of the Little Ship," is a delightful fountain in Rome, located in front of the Santa Maria in Domnica church on the Caelian Hill. The fountain features a marble and travertine sculpture of a Roman galley, a replica of an ancient sculpture. Its origins are linked to the area's maritime past, possibly as an offering to the goddess Isis by sailors.

A brief summary to Fontana della Navicella

Via della Navicella, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, 00184, IT
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Fontana della Navicella.

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy softer lighting for photos.
Take a seat on a nearby bench in the Villa Celimontana to appreciate the fountain's beauty and the surrounding architecture.
Combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby streets to discover hidden gems and local shops.

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Explore Fontana della Navicella on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Fontana della Navicella, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Colosseum, walk southeast along Via di San Gregorio, then turn left onto Via Claudia. Continue onto Via della Navicella. The fountain will be on your right, in front of the Santa Maria in Domnica church. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. No costs are involved.
Public Transport

From Termini Station, take Metro Line A towards Anagnina and get off at the Manzoni stop. From there, take bus number 81 (direction Piazza Risorgimento) and get off at the Navicella/S. Maria in Domnica stop. The fountain is directly in front of the bus stop. A single ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes.
Taxi

From the Piazza Venezia, a taxi ride to Fontana della Navicella will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi fares in Rome start at €3.50 during the day, with additional charges based on distance and time. Expect to pay around €8-€15 for the trip.

Discover more about Fontana della Navicella

The Fontana della Navicella is a captivating fountain that graces the Caelian Hill in Rome, directly in front of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Domnica. The fountain's centerpiece is a detailed marble and travertine replica of a Roman galley, evoking the city's rich history.The origins of the fountain are somewhat mysterious, with some believing the original sculpture was an ex-voto offering to the goddess Isis, protector of mariners, possibly from sailors stationed nearby. These sailors may have been part of the Castra Misenatium, who operated the velarium (the awning that shielded the Colosseum). The original sculpture was lost during the Middle Ages, but fragments were rediscovered in the early 16th century. Pope Leo X commissioned Andrea Sansovino to create a copy in 1518-1519.For centuries, the sculpture served as an adornment to the piazza. In 1931, the fountain was created by connecting a branch of the Acqua Felice aqueduct to the sculpture. At this time, it was restored, re-oriented to face the city center, and placed within an oval basin decorated with a mosaic of fish and boats. The galley is crafted from white marble and features a boar's head on the prow. The fountain has undergone restoration work, including after a vandalism incident in 2005.