Among all European capitals, Rome stands out with the largest number of fountains. In the past, the Eternal City boasted over 800 man-made sources, stunning in their magnificence and luxury. Today, only 280 fountains remain, each a true work of Baroque art.
History of Creation
The history of Rome’s numerous fountains dates back to Ancient Rome when 11 aqueducts provided ample water supply to the Romans. Even then, large and small fountains were created to quench thirst and adorn the city’s squares. During the Renaissance, on a new wave of Rome’s revival, the popes began restoring abandoned aqueducts and building new fountains that decorated not only Roman squares but also the noble palaces of distinguished figures.
Most of these architectural structures, from which the waters of the Tiber flow and drip, depict mythical figures and sea creatures. Rome’s fountains inspire poets, musicians, directors, artists, sculptors, and architects. Italian composer Ottorino Respighi, inspired by the babbling streams and Mediterranean sunlit drops, composed the symphonic poem “Fountains of Rome” in 1916.
Neptune Fountain
Many Roman fountains are dedicated to the god of the sea. In one, sculptor Giovanni Ceccarini depicts Neptune holding his trident. The sea god is surrounded by dolphins and tritons. The fountain’s architectural composition includes a small basin with a large seashell, from which water cascades into the pool.
In the Neptune Fountain by Antonio della Bitta, the sea god battles a giant octopus. Notably, the Neptune Fountain was created after Italy’s unification, emphasizing Italy’s significant role as a maritime power.
Fountain of the Four Rivers
Located in Piazza Navona, the Fountain of the Four Rivers was created by architect Bernini in the 17th century to adorn the palace of Pope Innocent X Pamphili. This masterpiece symbolizes the major rivers of the known continents at the time: the Ganges in Asia, the Nile in Africa, the Danube in Europe, and the Rio de la Plata in America. The great rivers are depicted as giants, with the Nile sculpture featuring a veiled head to symbolize the river’s mysterious origins at the time.
Triton Fountain
Lorenzo Bernini created one of Rome’s most beautiful fountains, the Triton Fountain, in 1642. The sea monster, half-human and half-fish, sits on the shells of a large clam, from which water flows into the pool.
Bee Fountain
Bernini’s Bee Fountain stands out for its lightness and simplicity. Three small bees pour water into a clam shell. Notably, the name of the fountain’s commissioner can be seen on one of the shell’s flaps. Despite being built in 1644, it is clear that the commissioner was Pope Urban VIII. However, in 2004, a mentally ill person damaged one of the bees with a hammer. Despite this vandalism, the old fountain retains its charm.
Boat Fountain
Among Bernini’s creations is the Boat Fountain, a favorite among tourists. Interestingly, its creator is the father of the artist of the Four Rivers. This architectural gem commemorates the 1598 flood that claimed many lives. The fountain depicts a sinking boat in the raging waters of the Tiber, with water flowing from the stern and bow. Tourists love to relax by the Boat Fountain in the evenings, often making it difficult to see the beloved structure due to the crowd.
Naiad Fountain
The Naiad Fountain, symbolizing the water element, is the main decoration of Piazza della Repubblica. Created in 1870 by order of Pope Pius IX, the fountain was renovated in 1901 to its current form. Four nymphs representing different water elements form the composition. One nymph symbolizes a lake, sitting on a swan; another rides a river monster, symbolizing a river; the third rides a sea horse, symbolizing the ocean; and the fourth tames a dragon, representing the waters of the underworld.
Turtle Fountain
The Turtle Fountain is one of the most beautiful and popular among tourists. Naked youths support themselves on dolphin heads, each trying to reach the edge of a large basin held on the shoulders of young men. Water flows from the dolphins’ mouths into large seashells and then into the pool.
Trevi Fountain
The largest and most popular fountain is the Trevi Fountain, built on the eponymous square against the facade of Palazzo Poli. The Palazzo was once owned by Princess Volkonskaya, who invited Nikolai Gogol to read his “Inspector General” there. The famous fountain was built on the site of an ancient spring called Acqua Vergine (Virgin Waters).
According to Roman legend, Roman soldiers dying of thirst saw a maiden near the spring, who showed them where to find water. In 19 BC, the legendary spring was transformed into Rome’s water system. In the Middle Ages, the water system was abandoned. During the Renaissance, Pope Clement XII commissioned the construction of a large fountain on the site of the old water system, which took about 30 years to complete. The main work on the Trevi Fountain was led by architect Nicola Salvi, using designs created a century earlier by Lorenzo Bernini.
The central figure of the fountain is the sea god, flanked by the goddesses of Health and Abundance. A basin in front of the gods represents the sea. The Trevi Fountain became a symbol of Rome in 1960 after the release of Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita,” where the protagonist jumps into the Trevi waters fully clothed.
Visitors to the fountain often follow an old tradition and toss a coin into the water to ensure their return to Rome. Each day, about 3,000 euros are collected from the fountain’s bottom.
Rome’s fountains, each with its unique charm and history, are a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage and artistic legacy. From the grand Trevi Fountain to the charming Turtle Fountain, these masterpieces continue to captivate and inspire visitors from around the world.