Caput Mundi: Fountains in Rome – Restoration of the Fountain in Piazza del Viminale

Caput Mundi Next Generation EU for touristic great events (Mission 1, Component 3, Investment 4.3)

Italy’s Recovery and Resilience Plan increases the number of accessible tourist sites in Rome, creating valid and qualified tourist and cultural alternatives with respect to the crowded central areas, as well as increasing the use of digital technologies, enhance green areas and the sustainability of tourism. The investment envisages six lines of interventions:
1. “Roman Cultural Heritage for EU-Next Generation”, covering the regeneration and restoration of cultural and urban heritage and complexes of high historical-architectural value of the city of Rome;
2. “Jubilee paths” (from pagan to Christian Rome), targeted to the enhancement, safety, anti-seismic consolidation, restoration of places and buildings of historical interest and archaeological pathways;
3. #LaCittàCondivisa, covering the redevelopment of sites in peripheral areas;
4. #Mitingodiverde, covering interventions on parks, historical gardens, villas and fountains;
5. #Roma 4.0, covering the digitalization of cultural services and the development of apps for tourists;
6. #Amanotesa, aimed at increasing the supply of cultural offer to peripheries for social integration.

The investment is financed by the Recovery and Resilience Facility by EUR 500 million and includes this project.
The restoration of Publio Morbiducci’s fountain (1929–1931) involved structural consolidation, cleaning, and repair of stone and metal elements, as well as renewal of the basin’s waterproofing. Protective treatments, including anti-corrosion and anti-graffiti coatings, were also applied. This project is financed by the Recovery and Resilience Facility with EUR 427000. The project focused on the preservation and restoration of the fountain designed by Publio Morbiducci between 1929 and 1931. Initial inspections were conducted to assess the extent and severity of the damage. Restoration began with the structural consolidation of the upper basin, following analysis of the crack patterns. The existing mortar layer was first removed to expose the original travertine and identify additional areas of deterioration. After realigning the basin and recovering any detached fragments, damages were repaired through edge sealing and bonding. Structural reinforcement was achieved using stainless steel bars with enhanced grip. Subsequently, both the stone and metal elements of the fountain and its surrounding fence were restored. This included the removal of surface deposits, consolidation of weakened areas, elimination of invasive vegetation, and biocidal treatment of biological growth. Surfaces were cleaned using both mechanical and chemical methods, while metal components were treated with anti-corrosion products. Missing portions were reconstructed through stone tessellation techniques. The deteriorated inner waterproof layer of the basin was removed, followed by appropriate plastering and structural reinforcements. Iron elements were inspected, repaired, and protected against oxidation. To complete the intervention, an anti-graffiti coating was applied to the fence columns.