The House of the Small Fountain stands on Via di Mercurio, in a prestigious location close to the Forum. Its rooms were arranged so that the garden and the monumental fountain that gives the domus its modern name could already be glimpsed from the entrance.
Its most distinctive feature is the refined nymphaeum faced with polychrome mosaics and shells, designed as a small monumental façade. The fountain was adorned with bronze sculptures, including a fisherman and a Cupid; copies of the originals are now displayed in situ.
A portico surrounded the garden, while the side walls were decorated with large painted landscapes. One of the most interesting scenes depicts a maritime city, a subject especially popular in the decoration of Roman domestic gardens.
The carefully planned view through entrance, atrium, tablinum and garden to the fountain allowed the owner to display his status immediately to arriving guests. A major restoration of the fountain was completed in 2015.
