Learn About The Spectacular Fountains Of Rome

by Ruby Kammer

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.

Of the many fountains, the Trevi is no doubt the one most recognizable. But there is plenty of competition for your time in Rome if you do nothing more than go on a tour of its delightful fountains.

A great example of the great art in Rome is the Fountain of Triton, or the Fontana del Tritone. Like so many great fountains, it was designed by Bernini in 1642, and it is a classic example of what a Baroque fountain looks like. The main character of the fountain is a male mermaid, or a merman, who is relaxing on a massive clamshell while dolphins keep guard nearly.

Bernini is a dominant artistic influence in outdoor art in Rome, so you can find his first fountain near the Spanish Steps. It is called the Barcaccia and this early example of Baroque outdoor sculpture shows a half sunken ship with the fountain waters pouring out of the holes in the ship.

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.

You won’t have walk to but a few steps in the Piazza Navona to admire The Fountain of Neptune. This fine example of Roman fountain artwork was added to the piazza in the nineteenth century and it incorporates many of the same personalities as the Fountain of the Moor but they are used in entirely new ways.

The Fontana dei Tritoni located in front of the Church of St. Maria clearly shows that the artist, Francesco Bizzaccheri emulated the style of Bernini’s artistic vision. This beautiful fountain was finished in 1715 and is located between the Temple of Vesta and the Temple of Male Fortune. The dawn of the age of reason is reflected in the design of this fountain which shows two mighty Tritons knelt on the rocks where a basin is the spot from which the water of the fountain flows forth.

Of these many examples, however, the Trevi Fountain or the Fontana di Trevi not only is the most well known Roman fountain but the best example of fountain art in the city. Like many classic Roman fountains, it was built in the first century. But Rome has carefully preserved it by restoring it 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 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 clearly shows the influence of Bernini as a designer although the actual artist credited with the work is Nicola Salvi. The actual water you will let spill on your hand from the fountain comes from the Aqua Vergine aqueduct which is another Roman utility that was named after a legend. Local custom tells that ages ago a kind virgin offered water from the aqueduct at the fountain to help refresh 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.

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St Peter’s Basilica is a marvel of ancient architecture and was designed by Michelangelo himself. Learn more about this magnificent building and the amazing things to see in and around it.

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