Caput Mundi: Restoration of the Fountain in Piazza Mazzini

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 project covers the cleaning, repair, and preservation of the fountains’ sculptural and metal elements, waterproofing of the basin, restoration of the mosaic pavement, overhaul of the water system, and installation of a new artistic lighting system—fully revitalizing the fountains’ appearance and functionality. This project is financed by the Recovery and Resilience Facility with EUR 1018000. The restoration project encompasses a wide range of interventions involving key components of the fountains, including the central basin, sculptural elements, surrounding mosaic pavement, and seating areas. The scope of work is outlined below:  All sculptural elements of the fountains will be carefully restored. This includes cleaning the surfaces, repairing damages, reconstructing missing or deteriorated parts, and applying a protective coating to ensure long-term preservation. Metal components such as railings, brackets, and decorative details will undergo cleaning, removal of rust and corrosion, repair or replacement of damaged sections, and treatment with a protective coating. The surrounding fence will also be restored and maintained. The existing waterproofing layer will be removed to allow for reinforcement of the underlying screed and the installation of a new waterproofing system, ensuring the watertight integrity of the basins. The mosaic pavement around the fountains will be restored through thorough cleaning, repair of damaged areas, replacement of missing cobblestones, and application of a protective treatment to preserve its aesthetic and structural qualities. A full refurbishment of the fountain’s hydraulic system will be carried out, including the repair or replacement of worn components and optimisation of water flow to restore the functionality of the jeux d’eau. A new lighting design will be developed to enhance the visual impact of the fountains. Artistic lighting and projectors will be strategically installed to highlight architectural and sculptural features, creating evocative effects during evening hours. These interventions aim to fully restore the fountains’ beauty and functionality, ensuring their preservation for future generations.