Fonte del Borgo

The Fonte del Borgo, also known as the fountain of the Pietrosa, is a Renaissance waterworks in Lanciano. Its sculpted façade of six masks stands before a long vaulted washhouse, preserving the architecture of the town's historic water supply.

Why it matters

The fountain and washhouse document the role of public water in Lanciano before domestic plumbing. Located near the old Porta Sant'Angelo, the complex served the surrounding quarter and reflects the relationship between the town and the Pietrosa watercourse.

What to notice

The central façade has brick pilasters, an entablature and a triangular pediment. Six carved masks project from the stone front, with water spouts issuing from their mouths. Behind it, the washhouse extends through twelve round-arched openings built of stone and brick. The contrast between the decorated front and the long service structure reflects the fountain's combined civic and practical roles.

Context and history

The fountain dates to the sixteenth century and served the Borgo quarter for centuries. The Pietrosa stream once ran through the valley toward the Feltrino River. As Lanciano expanded, the valley was filled and built over, leaving the fountain partly enclosed by later construction. The Fonte del Borgo remains a rare surviving combination of public fountain and monumental washhouse in Abruzzo.