Origin of NASONI

Where Did The Unusual Name NASONI Come From?

Italy. History, human genius, and the hot midday sun have conspired together to make Rome one of the world’s most seductive capitals in the world; a city of incomparable beauty, exuberant Mediterranean passion, and a continuous hub of creative ingenuity. Rome boasts a cultural legacy of thousands of years as a pulsating, chaotic, and distinctly modern metropolis. The Colosseum and Basilica, the Forum, the plethora of arches, even the very wall that surround the city, all remind them—and us—that in Rome’s imperial heyday, it was the capital of the world. History reverberates around them while their 21st century lives continue.

The birthplace of civilization, the melting pot of ideas and ideals that have brought us so much: under floor heating, the calendar, and socks—believe it or not—Rome continues to challenge our preconceptions about what a city “should” look and function like. Even back in the first century Romans were concerned with bringing their people fresh water for drinking and daily life, thus building various fountains with basins throughout the city which can still be found today.

It’s no wonder the Renaissance was birthed out of this country beyond compare. It was enticing. Almost magical. And it still is.

As you walk the streets of early morning ancient Rome, you’ll still hear the typical city sounds of transit and busy people, but you’ll also hear the sweet echoes of history dancing through the narrow, brick-lined roads and open piazzas. As the sun crests higher, the people will slow and the smells of fresh baked pizzas and breads will draw you to the nearest eatery, bakery or ristorante to partake in the amazing tradition that is an Italian meal. As you delight in the feast before you, eating under the canopy of a covered patio, you’ll notice tourists and locals alike stopping at any one of the numerous, cascading fountains in the streets and piazzas

called nasone. (These Italian street fountains are shaped like a long nose, so they became known as nasone, which stands for ‘big nose’ in Italian.)

If you’ve never been to Rome, you probably have not seen or heard of these nasone before. You know Rome boasts an unparalleled cultural legacy that embraces the present while still preserving the city’s robust past. These fountains are no different as they offer simplicity and elegance throughout the city while also constantly flowing hydrating, cold drinking water straight from the Apennini mountains to it’s people, visitors, and even animals.

The first nasone of today was introduced in 1874 with the spout design that has a uniqueness as dazzling as the city in which it was birthed. Functioning as a traditional faucet, it also has the ability to work as a classic water fountain. Simply plug the downspout and the resulting back-pressure causes water to stream upwards, out of a small hole towards the top and into a fountain arch for easier drinking. What the Romans didn’t have was a way to control how much back pressure was created, which leads to an uncontrolled spray height. You may enjoy watching people get soaked in the face the first time they try to get a drink this unique way, especially children.

Throughout history, Rome has been a center of influence and inspiration which, as you’ve seen through this website and consequent development of the NASONI bathroom faucet/fountain, continues to this day. And after 140 years since its inception, the nasone is still part of Roman daily life, celebrated by tourists and locals alike for its charm and utility. It is thus fitting that our company whose first product is the dual purpose faucet/fountain, carries the name of this creative utility that offers so much to its people.