The Fountain that stands in the Piazza Pia is one of the most charming and delightful fountain in the confines of the city. The Corinthian style capitals and the Cararra Columns create a fountain this is pleasing to both architects and tourist alike.
The inscription gives insight to the history of the fountain. The fountain was commissioned by Pope Pius IX in 1862, during the sixteenth year of his reign. The style of the sculptures is similar to those of Luigi Amici and Bitta Zappala, who would later create sculptures for the fountain in the Piazza Navona.
The actual designer of this fountain is unknown. Some experts suggest Tenerani, a renowned sculptor who worked for the papacy of Pius IX. Tenerani was a very well known sculptor, so it is very unlikely that if this was his fountain is would not be recorded somewhere. So the creator, for now, still remains a mystery.
The fountain was initially fed from the Aqua Paola , and was constructed to replace a fountain in the same square designed by Carlo Maderno. “The Mask of Borgo” was damaged beyond repair due to the water that ran through it. The current statue that sits there, you can still see the effects the water had on it. The white construction has been blackened by water deposits, though you can still make out the sculptures of the dolphins and the stylish vases.
This fountain, even with the marring of its original beauty, is still of historical significance in Rome. This fountain, in fact, is probably one of the last two remaining fountains from the time of Papal Rome. The other is in the Piazza Mastai.