The Fontana della Pigna: A Masterpiece of History and Water
In the beating heart of Rimini’s historic center, in Piazza Cavour, stands the Fontana della Pigna, a monument that blends art, history, and hydraulic engineering. This Renaissance masterpiece has crossed centuries of transformations, remaining a silent witness to the city’s events.
Roman Origins and Renaissance Restorations
The fountain was originally built during Roman times, using water drawn from a well about 900 meters away. In 1543, architect Giovanni da Carrara completely renovated it, using stone fragments from earlier eras but preserving the central drum adorned with Roman bas-reliefs. Pope Paul III Farnese funded the work with 500 scudi during his visit to Rimini in 1541. In 1545, a statue of Saint Paul was placed atop the fountain as thanks from the citizens.
The Melody of Water and Leonardo da Vinci’s Testimony
The beauty and harmony of the fountain’s water features impressed even Leonardo da Vinci, who in 1502, during a visit to Rimini as an engineer and military adviser to Cesare Borgia, wrote:
"Make a harmony with the different falls of water, as you saw at the Rimini fountain."
This observation inspired Leonardo to design a hydraulic organ where water falling into vessels of various shapes produced harmonious sounds.
Transformations and Restorations
Over the centuries, the fountain underwent several changes. During the Napoleonic period, the statue of Saint Paul was replaced in 1809 with the pine cone (pigna), a symbol of fertility and abundance. In 1835, the iron conduit carrying water to the fountain was replaced by an underground pipeline passing through Castel Sismondo. The latest major restoration took place in 2002, involving refurbishment of the hydraulic system and cleaning of the stone materials.
Where to Find It
The Fontana della Pigna is located in Piazza Cavour, next to the statue of Pope Paul V. It is easily reachable on foot from Rimini’s historic center and is a must-see for those wanting to immerse themselves in the city’s history and art.