Travel Article: Rome's Top 10 Fountains

Rome's Top 10 Fountains


Four Rivers Fountain ¹	�

Known as the Eternal City, Rome exudes a chaotic energy, with locals zipping in and out of heavy traffic and hoards of tourists flocking to the city's numerous attractions. This eternal energy flows in and out of every facet of the city, including the numerous fountains that can be found throughout Rome's ancient streets. Many of these world famous fountains set the backdrop for an amazing photo opportunity, or set the mood for a romantic outing, or simply provide relief from a hot, Roman summer day. �
There are thousands of fountains in Rome, with only a handful described here that are noted for their historical significance, artistic ingenuity and popularity. They are a celebration of function, form and beauty.

FOUNTAIN OF THE FOUR RIVERS (FONTANA DEI QUATTRO FIUMI)

Occupying the centre of Piazza Navona is the Fountain of the Four Rivers, the brilliant masterpiece of Baroque artist, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The impressive fountain, which was erected in 1651 for Pope Innocent X, depicts four river gods, each representing a major river on four continents: Danube�Europe, River de la Plata�America, Ganges�Asia, and the Nile�Africa. Rising from the fountain's centre, appearing almost weightless, is an Egyptian obelisk.

TRITON FOUNTAIN (FONTANA DEL TRITONE) AND FOUNTAIN OF THE BEES (FONTANA DELLE API)

Located in Piazza Barberini, the Triton Fountain is another work by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, created in 1637 for Pope Urbano VIII. The fountain depicts a muscular Triton�a mythological Greek sea god�as a merman seated on an opened scallop shell, blowing into a conch shell, from which the fountain's waters spurt. At its base are four dolphins.

Along with Triton, the Fountain of the Bees can be found in Piazza Barberini, also designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1644. It was also built for Pope Urbano VIII Barberini and takes its name for the bees sculpted into the fountain, representing the family crest of the Barberini. The basin and upper portion of the fountain are shells, depicting an open clam shell.

FOUNTAINS OF ST. PETER SQUARE (FONTANE DI PIAZZA SAN PIETRO)

Millions have made a pilgrimage to St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the largest church in the world. They are welcomed by the massive colonnades that embrace St. Peter's Square, marked by an Egyptian obelisk at its centre and flanked by two identical granite fountains measuring 8 m (26 ft) high. These grand fountains are works by Carlo Maderno (1613) and Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1675).

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�	St. Peter's Square Fountain ²

LEAKY BOAT FOUNTAIN (FONTANA DELLA BARCACCIA)

Commissioned by Pope Urbino VIII and built by Pietro Bernini (Gian Lorenzo's father) in 1629, the Fontana della Barcaccia, or sunken boat, is found at the bottom of the Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna. It is a popular spot, with many tourists and locals found hanging out here. The odd theme is said to be a reminder of the Tiber flood or Ship of the Church.

PANTHEON FOUNTAIN (FONTANA DEL PANTHEON)

Gracing the centre of Piazza della Rotonda in front of the Pantheon is a fountain designed by Giacomo della Porta in 1575 and sculpted by Leonardo Sormani. In 1711, Filipo Barignoni designed a new layout for the fountain at the request of Pope Clement XI, which included the addition of the mighty obelisk of Ramses II and four marble dolphins. In 1886, the original statues were replaced with copies and can now be seen in the Museum of Rome.

OBELISK FOUNTAIN (FONTANA DELL'OBELISCO)


Piazza del Popolo Obelisk Fountain ³	�

At first glance, visitors to Piazza del Popolo will notice the towering obelisco Flaminio at the square's centre, an obelisk of Rameses II from Heliopolis measuring 24 m (79 ft) high. Four Egyptian-style lion fountains surround the base, spouting water from their mouths. Two other fountains are found on the west and east side of the square, designed by Giovanni Ceccarini. On the west end is Neptune flanked by two tritons and on the east is the goddess of Rome with the river gods Tevere and Aniene; a she-wolf lies at their feet feeding Romolo and Remo.

FOUNTAIN OF THE TURTLES (FONTANA DELLE TARTARUGHE)

Located in Piazza Mattei, the Fountain of the Turtles is a late 16th-century fountain that gets its name from the turtle sculptures found drinking from the fountain's upper basin. The turtles were added later by an anoymous sculptor, some believe it was by Bernini. Designed by Giacomo della Porta and sculpted by Taddeo Landini, the fountain's composition entails four bronze statues of boys grasping the tails of dolphins spouting water.

THE FOUR FOUNTAINS (QUATTRO FONTANE)

Four Baroque fountains representing the Tiber and Arno rivers, the god Juno and the goddess Diana are located at the junction of Via delle Quattro Fontane, Via Quirinale, and Via XX Settembre. Fumes from heavy traffic have marred the fountains, but they are still worth seeing for their detailed work and unique location.

THE FOUNTAIN OF THE NAIADS (FONTANA DEI NAIADI)

Completed in 1888 by Alessandro Guerrieri, the Fountain of the Naiads is located in Piazza della Repubblica and features four water nymphs (naiads): Lake Nymph holding a swan; River Nymph on top of a river monster; Ocean Nymph on a horse symbolizing the sea; and Underwater Nymph lying on a dragon. Originally, the fountain featured four chalk lions at its base, which were replaced in 1901 with the nymphs, sculpted by Mario Rutelli.

TREVI FOUNTAIN (FONTANA DI TREVI)

With its harmonious composition of water and stone, the Trevi Fountain is the largest and most recognized fountain in Rome, a must see attraction that has been immortalized in movies such as Roman Holiday and Federico Fellini's La Dolce Vita. Legend has it, that if visitors throw a coin over their shoulder into the fountain they are guaranteed a return to the Eternal City.

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�	Fountain of the Turtles ⁴

The 26 m (85 ft) high by 20 m (66 ft) wide fountain was started by Nicola Salvi (he started the project and died in 1751) and finished by Giuseppe Pannini, completed in 1762. It gets its name from the three streets (tre vie, three streets) that converge at the location, marking the terminal point of an aqueduct that supplied water to ancient Rome. Located in front of the Palazzo Poli, the figure of Oceanus (ocean god), takes central stage in the triumphal arch, riding a shell-shaped chariot led by seahorses. To his left is the statue of Abundance and to his right, the statue of Healing.

It is a popular meeting spot and a great place to hang out, especially at night, when the fountain is lit up and even more magical. The pulsing sounds of the gushing waters and vibrant atmosphere of the crowd make it a romantic spot, even amid all the tourists.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

Four River Fountains, Piazza Navona; Rome, Italy

St. Peter's Square Fountain; Vatican City, Rome, Italy

Piazza del Popolo Obelisk Fountain; Rome, Italy

Fountain of the Turtles; Rome, Italy

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Rome's Top 10 Fountains