Fountain of Piazza della Morte – one of the oldest in Viterbo

History and description

Built around the mid‑13th century and originally connected to the Church of San Tommaso, the fountain received its current name only in the 16th century, after the arrival of the Confraternity of Prayer and Death in the square. Architecturally, it follows a “spindle” style, with a circular basin and a central shaft decorated with lion heads from which water flows, acanthus leaves, palm motifs, and a pine cone, the classic symbol of Viterbo.

Curiosities

The pine cone, symbol of Viterbo, also alludes to burial, reinforcing the connection between the fountain and the confraternity from which it takes its name—an institution devoted to burying the forgotten dead.

Access

Located in a public square, the fountain is freely accessible at any time of day.

How to reach it

Situated near several points of interest, the fountain can be reached by car via the A1 motorway to Orte, by train (particularly metro line A), or on foot from the historic center.

Located in the heart of the city’s medieval quarter, the Fountain of Piazza della Morte allows visitors to take a true step back in time and imagine daily life in the Middle Ages.

Photo credits: mauro medori (Google Maps)