Introduction
Welcome to an extraordinary Roman legend: Wine Flowing Mascherone Fountain. This story tells of the famous fountain on Via Giulia that, incredibly, once poured real red wine for three entire days. In this introduction, we will briefly explore the origins of this fascinating episode before diving into the full history of the Wine Flowing Mascherone Fountain.
A Fountain that Poured Wine
Did you know that in one Roman fountain, wine flowed instead of water for three days? Here it is: the celebrated Fontana del Mascherone, located at the very end of Via Giulia. According to tradition, during the grand celebrations organized by the Farnese family, the fountain did not only pour water, but even excellent red wine. Thus, the legend of the Wine Flowing Mascherone Fountain was born.
A Special Celebration in 1720
Furthermore, the most famous episode dates back to 1720, when Marcantonio Zondadari was appointed Grand Master of the Order of Malta. To honor him, the Farnese staged an extravagant public celebration.
Consequently, for three consecutive days, the fountain poured real red wine. Crowds of Romans rushed to the fountain, bringing cups, flasks, and even placing their mouths directly under the stone mask. This extraordinary event is still mentioned today whenever people talk about the Wine Mascherone Fountain.
Why Did the Farnese Do This?
The Farnese family was known for its immense wealth, political influence, and love for spectacular public festivities. Their palace was only steps away from the fountain, and the hydraulic system allowed them to redirect liquids into the fountain basin.
Moreover, distributing wine to the people was a symbolic gesture of:
- Abundance
- Power
- Prestige
- Generosity
Their events were a combination of art, theater, spectacle, and social propaganda—everything perfectly embodied by the Wine Flowing Mascherone Fountain.
A Curious but Authentic Roman Tradition
Although it sounds unbelievable, historians confirm that such events truly happened in Rome. Wine flowing from fountains was rare, but not impossible, especially during Renaissance and Baroque celebrations.
Additionally:
- In Piazza Navona, wine was sometimes distributed during major festivals.
- Many noble families used wine as a theatrical element during banquets and outdoor events.
Thus, the Mascherone episode is not merely legend—it reflects a genuine, documented Roman tradition.
More Information and External References
To deepen your understanding of this fascinating Roman curiosity, here are four useful external links:
