Fountains of Rome III

The tour of the Roman squares and fountains continues. In Ancient Rome, water is a durable motif, a symbol of life-giving properties, admired for its aesthetic value. The characteristics of the water appeared in the largest gardens of the Roman Empire, and many of the fountains that decorate the streets of Rome are considered masterpieces in themselves.
The sculptors and architects responsible for the city's iconic fountains are among some of the most important artists and craftsmen of the time, and the detail and beauty of their works is extraordinary. Today, you can marvel at the most famous of these fountains by taking a tour of Rome and coming face to face with serendipity.
For those who want to see the best places in Rome, there are optional excursions that include a visit to some of the most beautiful fountains in the city, this being an enriched experience.

Barcaccia Fountain

Located in Piazza di Spagna, the baroque style of the Barcaccia Fountain was created by Pietro and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, in homage to the great flood of the river Tiber, which took place in 1598. As they say, the only way to sailing through the city during the flood was a boat, and when the waters finally receded, only one ship was stuck in the square. Pope Urban VII ordered in 1627 this wonderful work of travertine art, whose name translates as "the fountain of the old boat", which lasted two years until it was completed. Displaying a beautiful symmetry of the shape, part of the fountain is placed below street level, contributing to the authentic experience of the spectators of old inspiration.

The Fountain of The Four Rivers

Another piece created by Bernini's hands is the Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi) in Piazza Navona, one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. Commissioned by Pope Innocent X, Bernini was not initially chosen to design the fountain, but when he created a model over the papal head, the latter could not resist its beauty and delegated Bernini's work. Numerous figures of the fountain include the gods of the Nile, Ganges, Danube and Rio della Plata. These figures surround an Egyptian obelisk, on which stands a dove, which is the symbol of the church and the papal family.

Turtle Fountain

While the first three fountains are almost always on the tour of Rome, the city has a surprise around every corner. One of these surprises is the charming Piazza Sant ’Eustachio, which is not far from the Pantheon. The wonderful granite fountain of this square dates from Imperial Rome and is part of Nero's bathroom complex.
The fountain called Fontana delle Tartarughe (Turtle Fountain) can be found in a small square in the Jewish ghetto of Rome. This piece of marble and bronze, created by Giacomo della Porta in the 16th century, presents a rather strange scene: several young people help the turtles climb into a pool above their heads. Movie? Yes! Beautiful? Yes!

Trevi Fountain

All the roads on the routes from Rome led to the Trevi Fountain, due to its greatness. In fact, the fountain takes its name from its location, being located at the intersection of three roads (three living). Nicola Salvi won the competition between the most important architects of the city to design the fountain, which was to become the largest baroque fountain in the city. When he died in 1751, Giuseppe Pannini took over the project, which was completed in 1762.
The center of the fountain has a strong figure, Neptune, who is on top of a shell-shaped carriage, which is driven by two newts. The amazing meaning of the movement in this masterpiece is reinforced by the water falling from its center. There is a famous legend attached to the Trevi Fountain, which tells us that throwing a coin over your shoulder in the waters of the fountain will ensure your return to Rome. Why not try?