I’m really not jealous of those who lived during the time when sulphurous water was considered something really healthy. In the city it must have been such a common thing though as there were several fountains. The water originated from an aquifer.

Today only three are still visible and it’s possible to recognize them by the particular shape: an octagon. But only one is still working and is next to the church dedicated to Sant’Angelo.

The two bronze sculptures represent St. Francis preaching to the birds, perhaps intent on escaping from the characteristic odor rather than to wash themselves as they usually do, and were added in 1926. Idea of Giannino Castiglioni.

Engraved in the stone are the Latin phrases “Laudato si mi Signore per sora aqua la quale multo humile est et pretiosa et casta” and “pax et bonum”, or better peace and luck.

The other two are next to Viale Piceno and not far from the arena of Parco Sempione. On this one a sign reminds you nicely not to drink the water.