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Famous tourist attraction, this is one of the most imposing, spectacular and artistic fountains not only in Rome, but also in the world. When in 1730 Pope Clemente XII decided to substitute the beautiful fountain planned by Leon Battista Alberti in 1453 with a more imposing one, he invited the best artists of the time to present him their plans. The plan chosen was Nicola Salvi's one and the fountain began to be erected in 1735. It was terminated under the papacy of Clemente VIII and inaugurated the 22nd May 1776. Its dimensions are huge. With its 26 meters of height and 20 meters of wideness, the fountain covers one entire side of Piazza Poli. On the top of it rises the Pope's Coat-of-arms and was carved by Paolo Benaglia, while the balustrade is characterized by four statues symbolizing the four seasons sculpted respectively by Corsini, Ludovisi, Pincellotti, and Queirolo. On the centre there is a big shell-form coach pulled by two sea horses. The two sea horses are driven by two tritons. Here it emerges from the basin a majestic statue representing the ocean. The sculptor of the whole marble group is Pietro Bracci. On the two sides of the niches there are two big statues of Filippo Valle: the Salubrity on the right one and the Abundance on the left one. |
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Above those two sculptures there is a bas relief representing the legend of Agrippa, according to which the thirsty soldiers of ancient Rome have been salved by virgins who indicated the right place where there was a source of water. This is where, according to legend, was built the aqueduct. But this is the only legend bound to the fountain. Every year, in fact, millions of tourists follow a magic rite in order to see their desires fulfilled. They give their backs to the fountain and throw some coins into the basin, symbol of the ocean. According to tradition this gesture should assure people a pleasant return to the Eternal City. Another legend tells that the heavy travertine vase placed in front of the barber's shop, ironically similar to a soap-dish, has been realized by Salvi in order to prevent people from the view of the old barber, probably excessively grumpy. The external left side holds the Fountain of the Lovers, a simple rectangular basin that receives water from a small pipe. |
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