Turtle Fountain (Fontana delle Tartarughe)

The basics

This small masterpiece of late Renaissance sculpture, built between 1580 and 1588, was designed by sculptor Taddeo Landini and architect Giacomo della Porta to supply drinking water from the Roman Acqua Vergine aqueduct to the residents of the Jewish Ghetto. Water still flows from its upper basin, but the fountain is more decorative than functional today. One of the most photographed fountains in the city, the Fontana delle Tartarughe is featured on most walking and food tours of the Jewish Ghetto, in addition to important Jewish cultural sights like the synagogue and Jewish Museum, the neighborhood’s ancient ruins, and the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth) marble mask at the Basilica of St. Mary in Cosmedin, made famous in the classic film Roman Holiday.

Things to know before you go

• Most Jewish Ghetto tours are on foot or by bike, so wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen.
• Be sure to bring your camera to snap a photo of this endearing landmark fountain.
• Piazza Mattei is pedestrian and paved, so the fountain can easily be approached and admired by wheelchair users.
• Even kids love the Turtle Fountain, and the low iron fence around the perimeter keeps them at a safe distance from the bottom basin.

How to get there

The Turtle Fountain is in Piazza Mattei in the Jewish Ghetto, directly across the Tiber River from the Trastevere neighborhood. There are no metro stops near the Ghetto, but a number of bus lines connect it with the Termini train station and other neighborhoods in the city.

When to get there

Jewish Ghetto tours including a stop at the Turtle Fountain are best scheduled when the neighborhood businesses are open; many close for the Jewish Sabbath from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday.

The Lighthearted Design of the Turtle Fountain

This pretty fountain’s design features a central pedestal depicting four ephebes perched on marble shells, each lifting turtles to the upper water basin. Originally, the ephebes lifted small dolphins, which were replaced a century later by turtles due to low water pressure. Today, the original bronze turtles that gave the fountain its name have been replaced by replicas thanks to a spate of thieving; the originals are preserved in the Capitoline Museums.

Ways to explore

One of the most photographed fountains in the city, the Fontana delle Tartarughe is located in the center of Piazza Mattei in the historic Sant’Angelo neighborhood, and is easy to see alongside the area’s other sights. It’s featured on most walking and food tours of the Jewish Ghetto, in addition to important Jewish cultural sights like the synagogue, Jewish Museum, and the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth) marble mask at the Basilica of St. Mary in Cosmedin, made famous in the classic film Roman Holiday.

Accessibility

Piazza Mattei is pedestrian-friendly and paved, making it easy for wheelchair users to approach and admire the fountain.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen and bottled water for exploring the city

What to wear

Most Jewish Ghetto tours are on foot or by bike, so wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and modest layers that would be respectful in a synagogue setting if you plan to see other sights in the neighborhood.

Not allowed

Swimming in the fountain, drinking the water, throwing coins in the fountain

Amenities

A few cafés and restaurants can be found around the Piazza Mattei, and more along nearby Via del Portico d’Ottavia. Kosher restaurants can be found in the area.

Address

The Turtle Fountain is situated in Piazza Mattei, a tranquil and charming square in Rome’s historic Jewish Ghetto in the Sant’Angelo district. The area is directly across the Tiber River from the Trastevere neighborhood.

Driving

From central Rome, drive southwest along Lungotevere via Ponte Fabricio to Piazza Mattei (Sant’Angelo district). Narrow cobblestone streets make driving tight and parking scarce, so consider using nearby paid garages or a taxi or rideshare service instead.

Public transportation

Although there are no metro stops near the Jewish Ghetto, bus lines 40, 64, 70, and 492 connect it to the Termini train station and other neighborhoods in the city.

Best times to visit

The morning hours are a good time to visit the Jewish Ghetto, as you’ll find businesses open but fewer crowds than in the busy afternoon hours.

Best days to visit

Jewish Ghetto tours, including a stop at the Turtle Fountain, are best scheduled when the neighborhood businesses are open; many close for the Jewish Sabbath from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday.

Best months to visit

The summer can be quite busy in Rome; visiting during the spring and fall months offers the best chance of fewer crowds and pleasant weather.

Special events

None