Situated near Trevi, the springs are immersed in an enchanting oasis of peace which has inspired generations of poets from Virgil to Carducci.
The waters surge in well-heads from cracks in the rocks and gather in a small lake no more than 4 metres deep. They then flow north along the "Forma Nuova", an ancient artificial river bed whose purpose was to transport water to the mills of Passignano.
In ancient times there was a greater abundance of water and the river was deeper: the emperor Caligola could go the river with boats when he came and consulted the worshipped oracles of Clitunno, the god of the river.
On the river banks there were, at that time, a small temple and other sacred places, magnificent villas and spas. There, every year, took place religious feasts with competitions, theatrical performances and gladiatorial matches.
At present, if one observes carefully the bottom of the lake between the island and the road, it is possible to see the white sand bubbling from the eddies of in-coming water. About 1 km along Via Flaminia just below the small Temple of Clitunno, the springs of Vene del Tempio emerge from the chalky limestone.