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The fountain of Via Annia is placed as a perspective backdrop to the street of the same name in the Caelian, on the side of the perimeter wall of the ancient Villa Casali, the current seat of the Military Hospital of Rome.

Originally located near the church of St Clement, it was built in 1864 on commission of Pope Pius IX (1846-1878) for the ornamentation and "comfort" of the inhabitants of the new council houses. The design of the fountain is attributed to Virginio Vespignani (1808-1882), architect of the Apostolic Chamber. Between 1917 and 1919, the Hydraulic Service of the Municipality of Rome arranged for the fountain to be moved to Via Annia, where it was placed only in 1928, during the road works in the area. The fountain, placed in front of a modest service structure, was inserted in a semicircular niche specially built with exposed bricks, pillars and decorative elements in travertine. A reused antique sarcophagus and the coat of arms of the Municipality of Rome were also added.