Fontana del Monte di Pieta

The Fontana del Monte di Pietà is a lesser-known but intriguing fountain located in the small Piazza del Monte di Pietà in Rome's Regola neighborhood. The fountain is dominated by a marble sculpture of a hand with a key protruding from its palm, emerging from a rough stone block set in a simple basin. This hand is a symbol of the Monte di Pietà (Mount of Piety), a charitable pawnbroking institution founded in the 16th century to provide low-interest loans to the poor, using the key as a symbol of trust and security. The fountain was designed by architect Giovanni Battista Contini in the late 17th century, though the hand sculpture is believed to be an earlier work by an unknown artist. The setting is intimate and quiet, tucked away from the tourist crowds, making it a pleasant spot for a moment of reflection. The surrounding palazzo, which once housed the Monte di Pietà, adds historical context. While not a major attraction, it offers a glimpse into Rome's social history and Baroque artistry.

Don't miss

• Admire the unique marble hand sculpture with a key, a rare allegorical fountain in Rome.
• Photograph the fountain in the quiet piazza, often free of crowds.
• Observe the facade of the Palazzo del Monte di Pietà, a historic building with a Renaissance portal.
• Combine a visit with a walk through the Regola district, known for its narrow streets and local atmosphere.
• Read the inscription on the fountain's basin, which references the charitable mission of the Monte di Pietà.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Fontana del Monte di Pieta

Cheapest way inSt. Peter’s Basilica & Optional Skip-the-Line Vatican Museums4.3★ · 150 travelers1–5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$23 per personSee dates →Most bookedRome: Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St Peter Small Group4.9★ · 4,068 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$219 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleOrvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio Full Day Private Tour from Rome5★ · 147 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$421 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• The fountain is not a drinking fountain; water is decorative only.
• Read up on the history of the Monte di Pietà to fully appreciate the symbolism.
• Combine with nearby sights like Palazzo Farnese, Campo de' Fiori, and the Jewish Ghetto.
• Look for the small plaque on the palazzo explaining the Monte di Pietà's history.

A bit of history

The fountain was built around 1690 as part of the Monte di Pietà complex, a charitable pawnshop established in 1539 by Pope Paul III. The hand sculpture is thought to date from the 16th century and was later incorporated into the fountain design by Giovanni Battista Contini.