Rigombo and Rugarella Fountains

Acquapendente is perched on a limestone spur that slopes toward the Paglia River valley, with an irregular shape culminating in a distinctive funnel-like form. The richness of the natural springs and watercourses, which have always run through the area, is the origin of the town’s name.

The Rivo Stream divides the historic town in two and creates refreshing spots along its course: the Rigombo Fountain and the Rugarella Fountain. The former, whose name comes from the Latin “recumbere,” meaning “to rest,” was the first stop for travellers entering through Porta del Santo Sepolcro (now known as Porta dei Mascheroni due to a design that added grotesque masks around the water spouts).

Located on Via XV Maggio, the Rigombo Fountain dates back to the 15th century but owes its current appearance to urban redevelopment in the second half of the 19th century. Architect Guglielmo Meluzzi oversaw the renovation, adding pilasters, cornices and grotesque masks around the water spouts, giving the fountain its nickname, “Fountain of the Masks.” The fountain serves as a backdrop for a small square located below the level of Via XV Maggio, featuring six blind arches and a central niche with an artificial rock formation from which water flows. On either side, three grotesque masks spray water through small spouts, which is collected in a basin running along the structure.

The Rugarella Fountain, also known as the “Sugarelle Fountain,” takes its name from the street where it is located. The fountain was already in use in the 16th century and its current appearance is the result of renovation carried out in the late 19th century, again by architect Guglielmo Meluzzi. The fountain features four arches protected by grates, each aligned with a lion’s head from which water flows.

Both fountains reflect the importance of natural springs for the town of Acquapendente, whose name itself derives from the numerous springs and small waterfalls that flow into the nearby Paglia River.
Equidistant from the town square, these fountains align with the oldest urban route of the Via Francigena, which passed through the northern gates of the town via Malintoppa, Rugarella, the main square, the ancient Santa Vittoria parish church, the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre and Porta Romana. These fountains are not only important historical and architectural landmarks but also testimony to the abundance of water resources that have shaped and sustained the local community over the centuries.