Tourist Must See – The Great Fountains Of Rome
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.
Many cities have fountains but their purpose is strictly ornamental or utilitarian. But Rome differs because any public water display had to also become a unique and treasured work of art in the Eternal city. In fact, not only does Rome “have” great art, the city itself “is” great art.
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.
The sea creature theme that Bernini utilizes so well in his fountains continues in the Fountain of the Moor, otherwise known as Fontana del Moro. This is a great fountain to sit down and enjoy with a beverage as you explore the Piazza Navona. Here, we see the mighty god of the sea Neptune being attended to by four Tritons who spew water for the fountain as happy citizens of the sea playfully interact below.
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.
A fountain that is unique because it was designed not by Bernini but by Francesco Bizzaccheri, is the Fontana dei Tritoni, although the influence of Bernini is clear. You can find this delightful artwork between the Temple of Vesta and the Temple of Male Fortune. The sculpture that was made in 1715 shows two mighty Tritons as they stoop on a gathering of rocks and hold a basin. The fountain’s waters flow out of that basin.
Many would argue well that the classic example of the artistry of Roman fountains is found at the Fontana di Trevi, otherwise known as the Trevi Fountain. This is one of the oldest fountains in Rome as it dates back to the first century. But it was re-built under the authority of Pope Clement XII in 1751.
The Trevi Fountain is the largest fountain in Rome at 85 feet high and 65 feet wide and its size is very much part of why it is so beautiful. You can find this not-to-be missed fountain behind the Palace of the Dukes of Poli. Here we again get to see Neptune but this time riding in a chariot made of a clamshell being drawn by two mighty horses. Tritons again are at the bidding of their master, as are the gods of Health and Wealth who are in attendance.
The well known tradition of throwing three coins into the Trevi Fountain is popular and frequently observed because the mythology of the fountain tells us that if you contribute your coins, the gods will bless you with a return to Rome one day. Wisely, Rome takes advantage of the international love of this tradition and it harvests the coins to help local charities. Never let it be said that Romans don’t know how to combine love of tradition and art with a flare for good marketing.
The Trevi Fountain is said to have been designed by Nicola Salvi, not Bernini as you might suspect. Nonetheless, the influence of Bernini is so evident that perhaps it was a joint project. The water for the fountain comes from the Aqua Vergine and there is a legend that goes with that name. The legend is that a virgin drew water from that aqueduct to offer to tired and thirsty Roman soldiers.
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.
Tags: bernini, fontana del tritone, piazza navona, Rome, spanish steps, trevi fountain, Vacations
October 05 2008 12:43 pm | Vacations