Public Fountain - Drinkable Water

One of Rome's best-kept family travel secrets is the city's extraordinary network of over 2,500 public drinking fountains — locally called 'nasoni' (little noses) for the shape of their spouts. These cast-iron fountains flow with cold, fresh water from Rome's ancient aqueduct system, completely free and available 24 hours a day.

For families exploring Rome with kids, the nasoni are a game-changer. Instead of paying for expensive bottled water at every stop, simply refill reusable bottles throughout the day. The water is consistently cold, safe to drink, and flows non-stop — a refreshing oasis during Rome's intense summer heat.

Beyond the practical benefit, the nasoni offer a delightful cultural experience for children. The traditional Roman technique is to block the small hole at the bottom of the spout with your finger, redirecting the water flow upward into an arc perfect for drinking directly. Kids absolutely love trying this — and hunting for the next nasone becomes a fun game throughout the day.

Look for them in piazzas, near monuments, and on street corners throughout the historic center.