Rome's Magnificent Fountains - Another Reason to Visit Italy's Eternal City

Rome's world famous fountains are rich with historyBizzaccheri emulated the style of Bernini's artistic vision.
that is ancient and full of majesty and genius. ThereThis beautiful fountain was finished in 1715 and is
are fountains that date as far back as the first centurylocated between the Temple of Vesta and the
when Rome ruled the world. But some of the mostTemple of Male Fortune. The dawn of the age of
magnificent fountains date to the 18th centuryreason is reflected in the design of this fountain which
Renaissance period which filled Rome with wonderfulshows two mighty Tritons knelt on the rocks where a
outdoor art.basin is the spot from which the water of the fountain
Unlike most cities, fountains in Rome are far from plainflows forth.
and utilitarian. Rome differs from anywhere else onMany would argue well that the classic example of the
earth because just as the city itself is a work of art,artistry of Roman fountains is found at the Fontana di
the fountains that grace the streets are wonderfulTrevi, otherwise known as the Trevi Fountain. This is
displays of artistic talent.one of the oldest fountains in Rome as it dates back
Of the many fountains, the Trevi is no doubt the oneto the first century. But it was re-built under the
most recognizable. But there is plenty of competitionauthority of Pope Clement XII in 1751.
for your time in Rome if you do nothing more than goThe Trevi Fountain is the largest fountain in Rome at
on a tour of its delightful fountains.85 feet high and 65 feet wide and its size is very
An outstanding example of fountain artistry is themuch part of why it is so beautiful. You can find this
Fountain of Triton otherwise known as Fontana delnot-to-be missed fountain behind the Palace of the
Tritone. This fountain is a classic example of BaroqueDukes of Poli. Here we again get to see Neptune but
artwork as it was expressed at the hands of thethis time riding in a chariot made of a clamshell being
master artist Bernini in 1642. The vision of a mightydrawn by two mighty horses. Tritons again are at the
Merman (the masculine form of a mermaid) sitting on abidding of their master, as are the gods of Health and
huge clamshell and being served by dancing dolphins isWealth who are in attendance.
one that is often used in advertisements and moviesThe well known tradition and superstition of throwing
as typical Roman setting.coins into the fountain for luck was born at the Trevi
The artist Bernini dominates the fountain works inFountain. Be sure to throw your three coins in as
Rome and his very first in the series is near thelegend tells us that this offering will cause Neptune to
Spanish Steps. This fountain is called the Barcacciabless you with a return visit to Rome one day. Don't
and the sculpture of a sunken sea vessel set the toneworry about the coins as Rome wisely harvests them
for the use of the Baroque style of art in outdoorto benefit the charities of the city. It is amusing to note
sculpture on the streets of Rome.that the encouragement of this tradition not only adds
Bernini's fondness for the sea scenes is also on displayto the culture of the city but amounts to pretty clever
at the Fontana del Moro, otherwise known as themarketing as well.
Fountain of the Moor. You can find this fountain in theThe Trevi fountain clearly shows the influence of
southern section of the Piazza Navona which is aBernini as a designer although the actual artist credited
delightful site to spend some time. Here you can stopwith the work is Nicola Salvi. The actual water you will
and admire the mighty sea god Neptune beinglet spill on your hand from the fountain comes from the
worshiped by his subjects. Around Neptune, TritonsAqua Vergine aqueduct which is another Roman utility
send streams of water into the fountain while athat was named after a legend. Local custom tells that
diverse assortment of sea creatures have fun belowages ago a kind virgin offered water from the
them.aqueduct at the fountain to help refresh Roman
You won't have walk to but a few steps in the Piazzasoldiers.
Navona to admire The Fountain of Neptune. This fineTo be sure you will come home from Rome with
example of Roman fountain artwork was added toplenty of great stories to tell as well as wonderful
the piazza in the nineteenth century and it incorporatesphotographs, make sure you include at least a few of
many of the same personalities as the Fountain of thethe wonderful Roman fountains in your sightseeing. But
Moor but they are used in entirely new ways.if you see one or two of these delightful examples of
The Fontana dei Tritoni located in front of the Churchoutdoor Roman fountain art, you will want to see
of St. Maria clearly shows that the artist, Francescomany more.