Visiting Rome and not tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain is akin to visiting Paris without ascending the Eiffel Tower. Rome’s fountains have played a significant role since ancient times. Today, they stand as iconic decorations and tourist magnets. Here’s a guide to the most significant and beautiful fountains you should explore in Rome.
The Essential Fountains of Rome
Rome’s extensive network of aqueducts, thermal baths, and fountains underscores its historical emphasis on public water. The city boasts nearly 2,000 fountains, each with its unique charm and significance. Let’s dive into the most notable ones.
1. Trevi Fountain
The Iconic Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is the quintessential Roman fountain and one of the city’s largest. A masterpiece from the Baroque period, it stretches 40 meters across, creating a stunning visual spectacle.This Baroque masterpiece was designed by Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini. The fountain stands at the site of an ancient aqueduct terminal, showcasing Rome’s historical connection with water.
Located at the junction of three streets, the fountain marks one of the ancient aqueducts that supplied water from 22 kilometers away. Commissioned by Pope Urban VIII in 1629, the current structure features Neptune’s chariot being guided by two tritons taming seahorses. The central triumphal arch and accompanying columns enhance its grandeur.
The tradition of tossing coins into the fountain promises a return to Rome. Daily, approximately 3,000 euros are collected and used to fund a supermarket for those in need.
The Design and Symbolism
The central figure of the fountain is Neptune, the god of the sea, riding a shell-shaped chariot pulled by seahorses. Each seahorse is guided by a triton, representing the moods of the sea – one calm and the other agitated. The triumphal arch backdrop and ornate statues symbolize various mythological figures, enhancing the fountain’s dramatic effect.
The Coin-Tossing Tradition
Tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain is a popular ritual believed to ensure a return to Rome. The custom has its roots in ancient Roman practices, where offerings were made to gods to guarantee safe journeys. Today, the coins collected from the fountain fund charitable initiatives, making this tradition a meaningful contribution to society.
2. Fountain of the Four Rivers
The Magnificent Fountain of the Four Rivers
The Fountain of the Four Rivers is Rome’s second most famous fountain after the Trevi Fountain. Situated in Piazza Navona, this masterpiece by Gian Lorenzo Bernini was commissioned by Pope Innocent X.The Fountain of the Four Rivers, designed by Bernini in 1651, is a centerpiece of Piazza Navona. This fountain reflects the grandeur and artistic brilliance of the Baroque period.
The fountain features an elliptical basin with an Egyptian obelisk at its center. Surrounding the obelisk are statues representing the world’s four major rivers: the Nile, the Danube, the Ganges, and the Río de la Plata.
Complementing the sculptures are representations of flora and fauna, including a dolphin, lion, crocodile, horse, dragon, and snake. The detailed carvings bring a sense of life and movement to the fountain.
The Representation of the Four Rivers
The fountain features four river gods, each symbolizing a major river from a different continent: the Nile (Africa), the Danube (Europe), the Ganges (Asia), and the Río de la Plata (Americas). These figures are positioned around a central obelisk, creating a dynamic and harmonious composition.
The Integration of Nature
Bernini’s design incorporates natural elements, with carved plants and animals adding to the fountain’s lifelike appearance. The interplay of water and sculpture creates a sense of movement and vitality, drawing viewers into its intricate details.
3. Triton Fountain
The Powerful Triton Fountain
Another creation of Bernini, the Triton Fountain, was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII. It graces the center of Piazza Barberini, directly opposite the Barberini Palace, which houses an Ancient Art Gallery. The fountain features a robust Triton and bees symbolizing the Barberini family’s noble lineage.The Triton Fountain, another of Bernini’s works, epitomizes the Baroque era’s artistic and architectural innovations. Located in Piazza Barberini, this fountain was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII in 1642.
The Central Figure of Triton
The fountain’s focal point is Triton, the mythological sea god, depicted as a powerful merman blowing a conch shell. This pose is not just dramatic but also symbolic of the sea’s might and the fountain’s purpose of celebrating water.
The Barberini Symbolism
Around the fountain are bees, a symbol of the Barberini family, to which Pope Urban VIII belonged. The bees are an integral part of the family’s coat of arms, reflecting their influence and legacy in Rome.
4. The Barcaccia
The Charming Barcaccia Fountain
Located at the base of the iconic Spanish Steps, the Barcaccia Fountain is one of Rome’s most photographed landmarks. Designed by Pietro Bernini, father of Gian Lorenzo, and commissioned by Pope Urban VIII, this fountain resembles a cargo ship.The Barcaccia Fountain, designed by Pietro Bernini, is situated at the foot of the Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna. This unique fountain, resembling a sinking boat, commemorates the historical floods of the Tiber River.
The boat’s shape commemorates the flooding of the Tiber River, which once allowed boats to reach this area. The fountain also features the emblematic bees of the papal family.
The Boat Design
The fountain’s boat-like design reflects a barge that was stranded in the square during a flood. Water overflows from the boat’s edges, mimicking the effect of a vessel floating on the river. This design choice not only commemorates a significant event but also highlights the ingenuity of Baroque art.
The Symbolic Bees
Like the Triton Fountain, the Barcaccia features bees, a nod to the Barberini family. These symbols reinforce the familial ties and the artistic patronage that shaped much of Rome’s Baroque architecture.
5. Fountain of the Naiads
The Controversial Fountain of the Naiads
Found in Piazza della Repubblica, the Fountain of the Naiads was constructed post-Italian unification. Initially adorned with four stone lions, they were later replaced by four nude nymphs (naiads), sparking controversy among the conservative Roman bourgeoisie of that era. The Fountain of the Naiads in Piazza della Repubblica was designed by Mario Rutelli and inaugurated in 1901. This fountain replaced an earlier design featuring stone lions, marking a significant change in the city’s artistic landscape.
The Naiads and Their Symbolism
The fountain features four naiads, or water nymphs, each representing different types of water: lakes, rivers, oceans, and underground springs. These figures, depicted in dynamic poses, add a sense of movement and sensuality to the fountain.
The Public Reaction
At the time of its unveiling, the fountain sparked controversy due to the nudity of the nymphs. The bold design challenged the conservative norms of the period, making it a landmark of artistic and cultural change in Rome.
6. Fountain of the Pantheon
The Historic Fountain of the Pantheon
Located in the historic heart of Rome, this fountain includes an Egyptian obelisk from the era of Ramses II. Positioned in Piazza della Rotonda, which served as a fish market until 1847, vendors once used the fountain’s basin to rinse their catch.This fountain, designed by Giacomo della Porta and later modified by Filippo Barigioni, features an Egyptian obelisk from the time of Ramses II.
The fountain sits opposite the magnificent Pantheon of Agrippa, an ancient Roman temple converted into a church, allowing it to survive through the ages in excellent condition.
The Obelisk and Its History
The central obelisk was originally part of an ancient Egyptian temple and was brought to Rome during the Roman Empire. Its placement in the fountain symbolizes the city’s long-standing connection with ancient civilizations and its role as a cultural crossroads.
The Pantheon and Its Influence
The fountain sits directly opposite the Pantheon, one of Rome’s most iconic structures. This proximity highlights the blending of different historical periods, from ancient Rome to the Renaissance and beyond.
7. Fountain of the Moor
The Artistic Fountain of the Moor
Situated in Piazza Navona, the Fountain of the Moor depicts an African figure wrestling a dolphin atop a large seashell. Flanked by four tritons, this fountain was originally designed by Giacomo della Porta in 1575, with Bernini later adding the central Moor statue.
The Fountain of the Moor, located in the southern end of Piazza Navona, showcases the artistic elegance of the Baroque period. Originally designed by Giacomo della Porta, the fountain was later embellished by Bernini.
The Central Figure
The fountain features a central figure of an African man, or “Moor,” wrestling a dolphin. This dynamic sculpture is surrounded by four tritons, creating a sense of movement and interaction.
The Artistic Contribution
Bernini’s addition of the central Moor figure transformed the fountain into a more dynamic and visually striking piece. His work exemplifies the Baroque style’s emphasis on drama, emotion, and detail.
8. Rionali Fountains
The Practical Rionali Fountains
During a hot Roman summer, the “Nasoni” public fountains offer a respite. These fountains provide free drinking water, with about 300 scattered within the old city walls. One of the oldest operational examples is the Rionali Fountain in Piazza della Rotonda, near the Pantheon.
The Rionali Fountains, part of Rome’s extensive network of public drinking fountains, are known for their practicality and historical significance. These fountains, often referred to as “Nasoni,” provide free drinking water across the city.
The Historical Context
The Rionali Fountains date back to the late 19th century and were designed to provide clean drinking water to the public. Their distinctive spout design, resembling a nose (hence the name “Nasoni”), makes them easily recognizable.
The Practical Use
Today, these fountains are a practical and beloved feature of Rome, especially during the hot summer months. They offer a refreshing break for locals and tourists alike, embodying the city’s tradition of accessible public water.
Conclusion: Embracing Rome’s Water Heritage
Rome’s fountains are more than just decorative elements; they are integral to the city’s identity and history. Each fountain, from the grandiose Trevi to the practical Rionali, tells a story of Rome’s past, its artistic achievements, and its commitment to public welfare.
Visiting these fountains offers a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage and provides an opportunity to appreciate the artistry and engineering that have made them timeless landmarks. Whether you’re tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain or sipping from a Nasoni, you’re participating in a tradition that has shaped Rome’s character for centuries.
Embrace the spirit of Rome by exploring its fountains, each one a testament to the city’s enduring legacy and its celebration of water as a source of life and beauty.