Acea for World Energy Saving Day
The Romans affectionately call them "nasoni” (big nose), they are the water fountains of Rome that quench the thirst of residents and visitors to the eternal city every day. The nickname, now official, derives from the curved shape of the spout that resembles a large nose
The history of the Nasoni dates back to the 19th century, when the mayor of Rome, Luigi Pianciani, made a revolutionary decision: to provide a public water distribution system to promote hygiene and ensure the health of citizens.
The solution was identified in the adoption of water fountains to be placed along the streets and squares of Rome, and so, in 1874, the first cast iron nasoni were installed, imposing and robust, tangible symbols of the commitment to the common welfare. Over the years, brass has replaced cast iron, bringing with it a functional modernity to the nasone, but without distorting the iconic structure of Rome's fountains.
Today, the nasoni are much more than mere water fountains: they are undisputed symbols of the Eternal City, silent witnesses of its glorious past and vibrant culture. They embody the Roman soul, conveying a sense of community and hospitality. They stand proud in squares, parks and streets, offering a refreshing retreat, especially during the summer months.
The first water fountains in Rome to be put into operation were characterized by three elegant dragon-shaped spouts, today for practicality only one smooth-shaped spout remains. However, you can admire one of the rare specimens of a three-port nose in Via della Cordonata, near the majestic Quirinale, or in the picturesque Piazza della Rotonda, next to the famous Pantheon fountain.
In the heart of the historic center of Rome, today there are more than 200 nasoni, along with about ninety fountains and artistic fountains, which offer uninterrupted drinking water. Among the most famous, we remember the Barcaccia, a masterpiece by Pietro and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, located in Piazza di Spagna, and the pretty fountain embedded in the wall of Via della Fontanella di Borghese.
Use the dedicated map to find the water fountain closest to you, type in the address and start the search.
2024 is the 150th anniversary of the Nasoni of Rome, timeless symbols of the city that stand out over time as pillars of its identity.
Even today, the nasoni go beyond their practical function as water fountains in Rome. They represent a deep link between the Romans, a symbol of the sharing of resources and solidarity that characterize daily life in the Eternal City. They bear witness to the fact that even in the most arduous challenges, the Roman community unites to ensure the well-being of all.
To promote the preservation and enhancement of Rome's characteristic water fountains as an integral part of the urban heritage, Acea has installed 3 new Acea branded nasoni near the Colosseum. Ensuring that these treasures remain a vital resource for future generations would be a fitting tribute to their enduring importance and indelible impact on the history and culture of the Eternal City.
Acea Waidy Wow is the app that guides you through the most fascinating water routes, pointing out the supply points closest to you, including fountains, water houses and nasoni, and assisting you in monitoring your daily water consumption. It also contributes to reducing the environmental impact and updates you daily on all the news and developments in the green field. Currently there are 2,800 nasoni in Rome and they have been geolocated by Waidy Wow. The project, which represents the hi-tech evolution of the old water fountains, has mapped the entire network of the Capital and 150,000 water points throughout the national territory.
The idea of the 4.0 nasone comes to life during the Innovation Garage, an Acea initiative aimed at finding cutting-edge ideas among employees of Group companies. Within a broader ecosystem, Waidy, the Nasone 4.0 project has been developed with a view to sustainability and the enhancement of water resources using innovative technologies and instruments.
The goal is to transform the classic nasone, an iconic symbol of the water supply in Rome, into a real technological hub that uses the most advanced technologies to collect and transmit qualitative and quantitative information on water, allowing daily monitoring of the water supply from these plants. The large amount of data and technical information, collected through technological innovation applied to the water fountains of Rome, bring value to the reference operator who can use them to streamline the network and improve the service.
The nasone thus passes from a historical symbol of Rome to a technological guardian for the quality and protection of the resource.
The nasone in 4.0 therefore becomes a control point of the network, but in the future it could also evolve into an environmental monitoring point collecting not only data on the water supplied, but also other environmental parameters such as air quality.
In addition, the diffusion of this technology on water fountains can create a real smart water grid, an intelligent network of water points able to communicate with each other in order to help prevent failures and disruptions.
The water that flows from the famous fountains of Rome is the same that reaches the taps of Roman homes. Thanks to its continuous flow, it is always fresh and thirst-quenching. The Acea Group takes care of the entire management of water resources, from delivery to rigorous annual quality control, guaranteeing the health and well-being of citizens and tourists.
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