Learn About Rome's Most Famous Fountains
by: JillKammer |
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Maybe more than any other place, Rome's amazing fountains have a history that is as rich and ancient as Rome itself. There are examples of Fountains that reflect the artistic styles as far back as the first century AD mixed in with wonderful Renaissance fountains and modern ones as well.
Unlike most cities, fountains in Rome are far from plain and utilitarian. Rome differs from anywhere else on earth because just as the city itself is a work of art, the fountains that grace the streets are wonderful displays of artistic talent.
While the Trevi fountain is unquestionably the one that is most well known, it is far from being the only fountain that calls to visitors to enjoy the artistic merit on display.
An outstanding example of fountain artistry is the Fountain of Triton otherwise known as Fontana del Tritone. This fountain is a classic example of Baroque artwork as it was expressed at the hands of the master artist Bernini in 1642. The vision of a mighty Merman (the masculine form of a mermaid) sitting on a huge clamshell and being served by dancing dolphins is one that is often used in advertisements and movies as typical Roman setting.
The artist Bernini dominates the fountain works in Rome and his very first in the series is near the Spanish Steps. This fountain is called the Barcaccia and the sculpture of a sunken sea vessel set the tone for the use of the Baroque style of art in outdoor sculpture on the streets of Rome.
Bernini's fondness for the sea scenes is also on display at the Fontana del Moro, otherwise known as the Fountain of the Moor. You can find this fountain in the southern section of the Piazza Navona which is a delightful site to spend some time. Here you can stop and admire the mighty sea god Neptune being worshiped by his subjects. Around Neptune, Tritons send streams of water into the fountain while a diverse assortment of sea creatures have fun below them.
Not far from the Fountain of the Moor is the Fountain of Neptune which uses many of the same themes but expresses them in an up to date style.
The artist Francesco Bizzaccheri designed the Fontana dei Tritoni which is located in front of the Church of St. Maria in the Boario Forum and the influence of Bernini is easy to see in this style. This wonderful fountain was built a little later in 1715 as the age of reason dawned and it depicts two mighty Tritons kneeling together on a large rock surface and holding a basin that is the source of water for the fountain.
But of all of the wonderful fountains in Rome, the Fontana di Trevi or the Trevi Fountain is far and away the most famous example of Roman fountain art. The history of this ancient fountain dates back to the early days of the Roman Empire. But it has been lovingly restored and cared for, undergoing a significant reconstruction between 1732 and 1751 under the direction of Pope Clement XII.
In addition to being one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome, it is clearly the largest as well, standing 85 feet high and 65 feet wide. The fountain is located at the back of the Palace of the Dukes of Poli. The sea creature theme continues with Neptune once again dominating the scene. This time the sea god rides a chariot made of clamshell and pulled by two fiery horses as Tritons are in attendance and the gods of Health and Wealth follow him on his mission.
The famous belief that throwing three coins in a fountain in Rome for a blessing originated here. The blessing promised is a quick return to visit the Eternal City again so it's worth a few coins for that possibility. Not to worry about the money as the city of Rome uses the coins to help the needy through city charities. So the combination of ancient lore, pleasant superstition and some clever marketing works out well for everyone.
The designer of the Trevi Fountain is said to be Nicola Salvi but it is clear to see the influence of Bernini in the style as well. An interesting fact is that the water that comes from the fountain originates at the Aqua Vergine aqueduct and that name is also the stuff of the legend. Tradition says that a virgin once offered water from these sources to thirsty Roman soldiers long ago in antiquity.
To be sure you will come home from Rome with plenty of great stories to tell as well as wonderful photographs, make sure you include at least a few of the wonderful Roman fountains in your sightseeing. But if you see one or two of these delightful examples of outdoor Roman fountain art, you will want to see many more.
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About the Author
Rome's Magnificent Fountains are rich with timeless beauty and full of splendor and genius. Some of them date back to the 18th century Renaissance period, which filled Rome with some magnificent outdoor art.
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