There are many beautiful fountains to be discovered in Rome, apart from the famous Trevi Fountain. And for the thirsty visitor, there can be found a lot of public drinking fountains providing good clean water to sooth the dry throat. Filling up your water bottle from one of these can save you money, as you don’t need to buy expensive bottled water from the shops. When it is hot, a quick splash on the face, or dampening your sun hat under the water springing forth, can be such a relief.
However, it is not just humans that need a drink now and then, animals need to be able to lap up some refreshment as well. And in Rome there is one trough that has become so well known that it is often pointed out by tourist guides as they walk their clients around the streets of Rome to view the sites.
I am referring to the Fontana del Cane (The Fountain of the Dog) which you should look out for if you are taking a walk along Via Vittorio Veneto, near to the United States Embassy in the Ludovisi district. This heart-warming attraction is not large, so you need to keep a look out for the quirky little drinking trough, which is easily missed. Standing about 60 cm high, it was constructed around 1940 by the proprietor of Charlie’s Bar for the use of any dogs being walked by with their owners along the street famous for the Dolce Vita.
To discover this curiosity, you need to look at the wall adjacent to the Ambasciatori Hotel and opposite the American embassy. People often miss it as it is difficult to see embedded as it is in the hotel façade and low down at the street pavement level where it is of most use for thirsty dogs to drink easily.
This is just one of the many wonders that Rome has to offer. So my advice is do take a walking tour as the knowledge that the guides have to offer can really make your day.
Going to Rome? Book your walking tour like the one that I went on with GetYourGuide (Affiliate link).