Drinking Fountains (Nasoni) — San Giovanni
Refill water for free at nasoni in San Giovanni. Around the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano (the Pope's cathedral) and the Holy Stairs. Lively shopping street Via Appia Nuova. Metro A.
Drinking from Rome's public nasoni is free, legal and recommended even by locals — the water comes from the same aqueducts that supplied the ancient city. In San Giovanni you'll find several active fountains spread across squares, parks and street corners. Refilling a bottle here saves €2–€3 per liter versus convenience stores and is the cheapest way to stay hydrated in summer.
Practical tips in San Giovanni
- Block the lower spout with your finger: water shoots up from a small hole, making it easy to drink directly.
- All nasoni run cold, filtered, tested municipal water — safe for adults and kids.
- Bring a 1L reusable bottle: tap water at restaurants is rarely free (€2–€3 for a bottle).
- Fountains run 24/7 except during rare summer rationing; the city posts notices in advance.
- Some carved historic fountains (Trevi, Quattro Fiumi) are NOT drinkable — drink only from nasoni.
Water in San Giovanni
Location off — enable it for nearest results
Other Rome neighborhoods
- Water — Historic Center
- Water — Trastevere
- Water — Vatican / Prati
- Water — Termini Station
- Water — Monti
- Water — Testaccio
- Water — Pigneto
- Water — Garbatella
- Water — EUR
- Water — San Lorenzo
- Water — Aventine Hill
- Water — Parioli
- Water — Flaminio
- Water — Esquilino
- Water — Celio
- Water — Salario
- Water — Tuscolano
- Water — Appia Antica
- Water — Ostiense
- Water — Trieste
- Water — Nomentano
- Water — Borgo
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Frequently asked questions
Is the water from Rome's nasoni in San Giovanni safe to drink?
Yes. All ACEA-managed nasoni in San Giovanni deliver tested potable water from the municipal aqueduct. The water is chlorinated, cold and analysed daily — same quality as a Roman household tap.
How do I drink from a Roman nasone?
Cover the lower spout with your thumb. A small hole on top of the spout will shoot water upward like a drinking fountain. This trick keeps the water clean and is exactly how locals do it.
Are there nasoni in San Giovanni year-round?
Yes. Rome's nasoni run 24/7 every day of the year, with rare exceptions during summer drought rationing — announced in advance by the city. In winter the water is naturally cooler.