Fountain of the Turtles

Walking Tours of Rome

Fountain of the Turtles

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The Fontana delle Tarturughe (Fountain of the Turtles), one of the most charming fountains in Rome, as well as one of the oldest, stands in Piazza Mattei, just outside what was once an entrance to the Jewish Ghetto.

In 1580 Muzio Mattei, the owner of Palazzo Mattei, successfully applied to have water piped to the piazza outside his family residence. In return, he pledged to pave what was then known as Piazza Giuda and install a fountain for public use.

What came to be known as the Fontana delle Tartarughe (Fountain of the Turtles)  was created between 1581 and 1584 by Taddeo Landini to a design by Giacomo della Porta. The turtles were added in 1658/9 when the fountain was restored. They have been attributed to both Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Andrea Sacchi. ​

The Mattei family were responsible for opening and closing the gates to the ghetto, through a contract they held with the papacy.